D.W House
Sector
HoReCa
Location
Reykjavik, Iceland
Year
2012
Square
1010 m2
Status
Implemented
Purpose
Roadside hotel
This is a next-generation roadside hub concept, nestled amidst a pristine, picturesque forest. The project seamlessly combines premium countryside relaxation with a well-developed service infrastructure, creating an ideal destination for both travelers and those seeking a secluded digital detox.
Harmony of stone, wood and living forest: your ideal destination.
A unique hotel complex nestles amidst a majestic forest, its architectural DNA woven from noble natural materials. The visual style is based on a profound dialogue of textures: chipped, layered natural slate in graphite tones provides monumentality and protection to the buildings, while warm, natural wood facades seamlessly integrate the architecture into the surrounding forest landscape.
This is not just a hotel, but a fully-fledged autonomous ecosystem, divided into cozy low-rise pavilions and modular buildings. Every element of the infrastructure—from the quiet residential buildings to the bustling shopping promenade—is designed to respect the centuries-old tranquility of the forest while providing guests with uncompromising urban comfort.
The town's infrastructure:
A secluded hotel sector: A complex of intimate low-rise buildings and secluded forest chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows. The guest rooms are designed in an organic minimalist style, allowing guests to fall asleep and wake up with views of the treetops.
Forest Café and Gastronomy: A cozy establishment with an outdoor terrace serving local cuisine, fresh pastries, and signature coffee. This spot is perfect for a hearty breakfast for road trippers and leisurely dinners by the fire.
Shopping Gallery (Mini-Markets and Stalls): A collection of small artisan shops offering organic farm products, essentials, authentic souvenirs, and gear for forest walks.
Roadside Service and Amenity Hub: A high-tech, neatly zoned service area. It includes a secure parking lot (with fast charging stations for electric vehicles), a 24-hour self-service laundromat, a babysitting room, and a bicycle and camping equipment rental shop.
An architectural manifesto for solitude: a conceptual eco-hotel village amidst a century-old forest.
At the intersection of wild, pristine nature and advanced urban civilization, a new hospitality format is being born—an autonomous hotel village designed to become a focal point for modern travelers. The complex is a harmonious ensemble of small buildings scattered throughout the forest. The project's visual code is built on an uncompromising dialogue between two noble materials: textured, layered natural slate in graphite tones and warm, breathable natural wood. Stone provides the buildings with durability, monumentality, and protection from any weather conditions, while the wooden façade elements soften the architectural lines, allowing the buildings to blend into the trunks and crowns of centuries-old trees. Panoramic glazing in each building blurs the line between private space and the living forest, transforming the changing landscape into the central interior detail.
