Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
The Ring of Bjólfur by Audur Hreidarsdottir of Esja Architecture, Arkibygg Arkitektar, and ANNA Landslagsarkitekt is a ring-shaped viewing platform on the slopes of Mount Bjólfur, 650 m over sea level that overlooks Seydisfjordur, a narrow fjord with steep mountains in East Iceland.
It is a simple concrete structure that sits on top of the rugged landscape and hovers over the edge offering a spectacular view over the fjord and to the Atlantic Ocean.
The ring has a diameter of 32 meters, with a walkway and bench spanning the entire 100 m circumference.
The 360° experience leads the visitors to explore the views of the mountains around, the town, the valley, and the peak of the mountain above.
The slightly sloping ring structure is wheelchair accessible.
The ring is constructed of concrete, with an inner railing of local larch and an outer railing of slim stainless-steel posts.
The three materials display a range of silver-grey color tones: with the silver patina of the larch, the glittering reflection of the steel, and the tones of the exposed concrete changing with the weather.
An important factor in the material selection is robustness and minimal maintenance, due to the harsh weather conditions and remote location.
The sharp silver color palette is in nice contrast with the brown tones of the rocky landscape it sits on.
Mount Bjólfur is named after the Viking Bjólfur who first settled in Seydisfjordur. Vikings were buried with their most precious belongings, jewelry, and weapons.
It is believed that Bjólfur was buried high up in the mountain; therefore the ring-shaped structure symbolizes a precious silver ring belonging to Bjólfur, the forefather of the people of the fjord.
The structure sits on top of the landscape in two places and cantilevers over the edge of the mountain. The load-bearing quality of the closed circle is very efficient; therefore the structure is anchored only in four points.
Project: Ring of Bjólfur
Architects: Esja Architecture and Arkibygg Arkitektar
Landscape Architects: ANNA Landslagsarkitekt & Kjartan Mogensen
Engineers: EXA Nordic
Client: Múlaþing Municipality
