Iceland is a small country with smaller than 102,775 sq. km located in western Europe. The capital Reyjavik is in the northwestern part of the country. Iceland is known for its scenic beauty and is home to distinct landscapes with glaciers, mountains, active volcanoes, waterfalls, and blue lagoons and famous for its mesmerising northern lights.
Climatic condition
Iceland has a position close to the north pole. It experiences cool summers ranging from 8⁰C to 15⁰C. Winters are relatively mild considering its oceanic location; it ranges from -10⁰C to 3⁰C. Apart from strong winds, average annual precipitation of 400mm to 4000mm is prevalent across the country in the form of rain, snow, and hail. Iceland sees all four distinct seasons, although it does not see the sun for the majority of some days.
Lifestyle and Culture
Iceland has a population of around 300,000, the majority being homogeneous with native Icelanders. The capital Reykjavik is home to about 65% of them; rest lives around various cities. The country is quiet, peaceful, and significant to a point where it may seem bizarre to outsiders, considering how carefree they are with young children left unattended outside their homes. Icelanders have extreme trust and are cooperative, making it a safer place to live. The people are educated, well-mannered, and intelligent owing to its systematic education system. Modern Iceland advocates an environmentally friendly lifestyle promoting solar and wind energy.
Iceland has a deep history connected to the Vikings, and they proudly speak their indigenous language to this day. Apart from that, they also have an extensive food, art, and literature culture. Iceland has a background influence of Scandinavia and hosts many festivals around the year, paying homage to their ancestors and enjoying their time with friends and relatives.
Architecture
Iceland was inhibited around the 9th century by Scandanavians. Though they do not have a long history like other European countries, Iceland has a simple architectural history derived from a mix of cultures and settlements. Icelandic architecture mainly envisioned the practical usability of spaces. The natives had very few building materials in the natural landscape. They had to fend for themselves in the harsh weather conditions. The raw materials available were mainly stones, wood, gravel, etc.
The vernacular architecture of Iceland can be identified easily. The built environment merges with natural landscapes and underground structures. Smaller houses and government buildings were made of wood with large windows to let maximum sunlight. Adapted from the Vikings’ longhouse, turf and grass-covered houses are low-rise buildings with pitched roofs. This feature slides off snow and water. The highest buildings were mostly 2-storeyed or 3-storeyed. These were tower blocks of stone built across the country.
Icelandic Turfhouses or Torfbæir
Nordic settlements in the 20th century were the ones to introduce Icelandic turf houses. One of turf houses’ main features is that they are highly functional, with spaces allocated for gathering, cooking, cleaning, and dining. These early settlements are partly sub-structures for better insulation from cold weather. These houses were built from stones, layered with soil blocks with grass on top, which appears to blend in with the natural topography. Wood was burned inside the house to keep the tenants warm during winter. Locally available volcanic rocks were the foundation of these houses. The exterior was painted or cladded with wooden planks or stones, sometimes of light and bright colours, while the interior flooring was done the scarcely available timber of birch and oak trees.
Turf houses are naturally “breathing” and help eliminate external pollution to some extent. However, these houses require maintenance to prevent the grass from growing wild or replacing the turf. Each turf house was different, depending on the financial state of its owner. Icelanders mainly relied on farming and fishing for a living.
The wealthy turf houses had more embellishments in the interior and better workmanship quality, affecting the strength, durability, and functionality. The entrance leads to a grand living room called stofa, leading to a master bedroom or skali. In addition to these, a small pantry, outhouses, and stables were also part of the houses.
Apart from the turf house, tiny rock houses were inhabited by people who couldn’t afford to build turf houses. Presently turf houses are barely used by poor people as dwellings. Most of the turf houses now are preserved as major tourist attractions.
Modern Iceland
According to the United Nations’ human development index, Iceland is the 3rd most developed country in the world. Modern architecture in Iceland is a treat to the eyes.
Rögnvaldur Ólafsson is considered Iceland’s first architect. He was the first among many who brought newer styles of architecture to Iceland in the Early 20th century. He was appointed by the government to construct public buildings, although he had no formal education in architecture. Several works Ólafsson stands in Reykjavik. Húsavík Church is one of his most famous works. His works are classic since he has worked with Gothic, Neoclassic, and Swiss Chalet styles. He drove Iceland to point out its distinct style in modern architecture.
Cut to the many present architects have made their mark in Iceland, some of it influenced by the turf houses and contemporary styles. Many designs resemble the vernacular style of Iceland due to their efficiency. Over time life in Iceland has changed with technology, and so have their cultures and needs for space. Some current architects aim to achieve futuristic designs and manage eco-sustainability, while others see the light in Scandanavian designs and explore the idea of functionality.
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