Nordic Restaurant

Location: Iceland
Renderings: Studio Ekipa in collaboration with

Nestled within the landscape of Iceland’s Westfjords, the design for the immersive & elevated dining experience pulls inspiration from the rich history of Viking longhouses. Guided by the ethos of communal dining and spatial organization inherent in Viking architecture, our design for this freestanding space reimagines traditional elements through a contemporary lens.

From the exterior, the architecture is austere and minimalistic - seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings. As guests approach the central foyer, they enter into a compressed space adorned with shelving showcasing glass vitrines with the various herbs and ingredients characteristic of the culinary creations. Just beyond this space, an Icelandic birch tree anchors the various dining spaces, each strategically positioned adjacent to openings in the façade with curated vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Drawing cues from Iceland’s iconic geography, the materiality within the dining space features dark volcanic rock inspired flooring juxtaposed with the verdant hues reminiscent of moss-covered landscapes. The kitchen area emanates warmth and earthiness, evoking the primal allure of fire while the Lounge incorporates textures of the shoreline and features a large veined stone bar that emulates the intricate patterns of water. The thematic narrative of Earth, fire & sea resonates throughout, harmonizing the diverse elements within the space.