Iceland. A warm and welcoming mini refuge in the heart of the storm

A small chalet in one of the country’s most inaccessible but naturally attractive areas welcomes visitors to admire a still unspoilt corner of the world from the privacy of its spaces, with respect and sensitivity.

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020. Photo: Auðunn Nielsson & Trym Sannes Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020. Photo: Auðunn Nielsson & Trym Sannes

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020 plan and section

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020 elevations

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020 plan

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020 section

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020 construction detail

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020 model

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Chiara Testoni
05 November 2021
Mývatn, Iceland
Studio Heima
21 smq
cabin
2020

In the north of Iceland, a geothermically active area dotted with volcanic formations, hot springs, and rich in birdlife, this small holiday home is part of a wider project to promote tourism in one of the most fascinating and extreme landscapes on the planet. Aska means "ash" in Icelandic and the small building's name recalls the ash and lava that cover the local landscape, and the burnt wood with which it was built. The building was placed on the site after careful assessment of its exposure to winds and storms to make it accessible in all seasons.

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020. Photo: Auðunn Nielsson & Trym Sannes

The design approach makes explicit reference to the traditional Icelandic house typology: simple, functional, with green roof and made out of natural materials, where the craftsmanship component is a key part of the construction process. The 21 square metre building includes a double bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen from which, through the big window leading to the terrace, there is a view of the beautiful landscape of Lake Mývatn and Hverfjall. The custom-made furnishings, as well as the height of the spaces in contrast with the reduced floor plan, give the rooms a comfortable and spacious aura.

The entire construction is made of wood, a natural material quintessentially. The exteriors are covered with slats of pine wood burnt according to the ancient Japanese technique of Shou sugi ban, which makes the material more resistant to atmospheric and organic agents after it has been carbonized; in contrast with the dark colour of the façades, the interiors are made of light pine wood, giving the rooms more light and warmth.

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020. Photo: Auðunn Nielsson & Trym Sannes

A small refuge from which to observe, respectfully and delicately, a corner of the world that is still powerfully authentic and uncontaminated.

Aska Cabin
Studio Heima
Mývatn Accommodation
Construction: wood. Facade: Burnt pine wood. Interior: Plywood

Studio Heima, Aska cabin, Mývatn, Iceland 2020. Photo: Auðunn Nielsson & Trym Sannes