In the darkness of the Faroese winter, a truly special building bridges not only the river in the village of Norðragøta but unites two municipalities that merges into one community of Eystur.

Global Architecture & Design Awards 2018
First Award | Public Building (Built)

©Henning Larsen

Before the fishing industry made its entry with a large and important factory, the attractive local beach was the natural gathering point at special occasions; the bon fire on New Year’s Eve was lit here, the flag day celebrated on April 25th and locals used the beach for sporting events. The Town Hall Eysturkommuna is the first building in a larger regeneration of this area.

©Henning Larsen

Plans + Sections:  Discreetly cut into the lush landscape, seemingly floating between the river and the green grass blanket on the roof, the town hall creates the framework for the work of the city council and the administrative staff.
Connecting to the Nordic Landscape Town Hall Eysturkommuna assumes the important task of establishing a space that will revive the local community. The terraces and roof are open to the public, allowing people to come here to have picnics and swim in the river.

©Henning Larsen

Celebrating Democracy In the City Council Hall one clearly senses the closeness to nature and the river, visible through a circular mirror lined glass covered opening in the floor. This is where the Municipality’s key decisions are made and through the glass covered floor one can even spot trout on their way up-stream or out into the open sea.