Coast Whale

The bionic whale concept of this chapel aims to respect and integrate with the environment. It is a temporary structure that offers a space to admire Iceland’s most famous black sand beach. The building is tightly integrated into the site, and adjustable nodes can adapt to the geological conditions of the beach regardless of the form and construction of the whale. The structure can even be temporarily moved in response to Iceland’s extreme weather. This house is like a swimming whale, with the floor height changing depending on the tide of the season. The black wood echoes Iceland’s traditional way of life. While watching the scenery, the nobility of life can be felt in the chapel’s narrow space. This project uses natural and environmentally friendly materials to create a tourist destination that advocates for whale and natural environment protection. Serving as a strong adaptive solution, this project’s profound long-term significance will not be limited by its scale. 

Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Concept | Architecture