The Red Mountain Resort is a spa and wellness retreat that offers guests a sensory escape into the breath-taking Icelandic nature and simultaneously invites them to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Global Architecture & Design Awards 2018
First Award | Hospitality (Concept)

©Johannes Torpe Studios

The journey is facilitated by an architectural concept that explores the interplay between nature and architecture, and their combined capacity to provide the necessary triggers for an inward journey. The design hence exposes the guest to nature in various ways by blurring the line between outside and inside.

©Johannes Torpe Studios

The overall inspiration is found in the rich heritage of Icelandic Folktales and the otherworldly and magical atmosphere present in the landscape and particularly in traditional Icelandic turf houses and the local saga about Barður Snæfellsás. Barður is said to have left the chaotic world of men behind to live in solitude and the spa experience is a poetic interpretation of his transformational journey.

Portals and tunnels are additionally dispersed throughout the building to enhance this otherworldly and magical atmosphere and the use of reflecting glass on the building’s exterior creates a mirror effect, evoking the illusion of a building that disappears into the landscape.

©Johannes Torpe Studios

Divided into three phases the prospect of the project includes a hotel of 150 rooms, 20 bungalows and a center for the creative industries including housing for artists in residence and an installation space. To expand the art experience we propose to establish an art track along the river. By foot the guests will pass five pavilions created by local artists.