Reykjavik-based architects Basalt Architects has completed a new hotel and spa complex at Blue Lagoon, in Grindavík of Iceland. The 8,500-square-metre complex is shaped by the natural sources at site including rock and lava formations. 

Completed this year, the new SPA building connects the existing lagoon with the new one. The building sits deep in the lava, allowing the natural lava formations to form both the perimeter of the lagoon and the interior walls of the SPA.

The 5-star hotel includes a health spa, restaurant with views over the Reykjanes Peninsula, and a luxury hotel with 62 rooms surrounded by the lagoon. In the northern end of the SPA, a new restaurant on the top floor allows views of the whole complex. 

Two wings are combined in the hotel lobby, which connects to the new SPA and the existing Blue Lagoon buildings. The surrounding environment is held in high regard and great emphasis is placed on the balance between buildings and nature.

The architects, in collaboration with Design Group Italia, use a natural palette in the interior spaces overlooking the rugged geography. The brutalist structure is revived on some materials such as grey lava, terrazzo, water and vibrant green moss. 

B&B Italia designed the furnitures for most of the interiors, as well as the decorative lighting for the hotel, Moss restaurant, library and spa. Rooms' prices can be seen at Blue Lagoon's website. 

Image ©  Ari Magg 

Basalt Architects was established in 2009 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Lead by partners Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir (founder), Hrólfur Karl Cela and Marcos Zotes, Basalt’s dynamic team of architects and designers bring together a rich and extensive architectural design and construction experience in Iceland and abroad.

VÖK East Baths is another project of the studio under construction in Urriðavatn, Iceland. The studio's another project Highland Baths and Hotel's construction work is scheduled to start in 2019.

Project facts

Location: Svartsengi, Grindavík

Year: 2011-2017

Area: 8,500m2

Program: Hotel and Spa

Client: Blue Lagoon

Design team: 

Design team: Anna Björg Sigurðardóttir, Ástríður Birna Árnadóttir, Davíð Hildiberg Aðalsteinsson, Einar Hlér Einarsson, Elín Þórisdóttir, Guðjón Kjartansson, Harpa Heimisdóttir, Hrólfur Karl Cela, Jóhann Harðarson, Jón Guðmundsson, Marcos Zotes, Niklas Dahlström, Perla Dís Kristinsdóttir, Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir, Stefanía Helga Pálmarsdóttir, Unnsteinn Jónsson.

Architecture design: Basalt Architects

Experience design: Design Group Italia

Interior design: Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia

Product design: Design Group Italia

Lighting design: Liska

Engineering: EFLA

Construction Inspection: VSS, Verkfræðistofa Suðurnesja

General contractor: Jáverk 

> via Basalt Architects