Project Name: Fissured Stack
Location: Þingeyjarsveit, Iceland
Size: 150 sq-m
Status: Proposal (2020)
Architect: Suk Lee, Dawon Lee
Project Description:
Fissured Stack is an observatory tower which presents the following geological characters of the site and Iceland in macro-scope: 1. stack, a geological landform consisting of a steep and vertical column of rock formed by natural erosion revealing the layers of geological information, 2. fissure, the on-site cleft with hot groundwater flowing. As sea stacks impress us from far distance, Fissured Stack expresses its vertical presence with which visitors can easily identify the tower from remote areas.
Due to the remote location and the extreme winter weather, sustainable design solutions are applied in order to lower the energy demand by using the local energy resources and passive design strategies. Noting the nearby Bjarnarflag power plant, the building utilizes geothermal heating and takes the advantage of thick concrete walls with continuous interior insulation to achieve high thermal mass.
Dramatic curved concrete walls with the Iceland basalt column texture, which is constructed by using the collage of multi-layer metal deck as a mold, invites visitors. Once inside, people may meander through fissured slabs following the continuous staircase until they reach the very top floor where the main observatory deck and the tea house lounge are located. The interior atmosphere with charred wood finishes echoes the experience in the cave enriching the journey.
