Port Weighting Station

The Port Weighing Station in Þorlákshöfn - a fast ashore buoy. The inspiration for the design for the Port Weighing Station in the tiny village of Þorlákshöfn derives from a maritime reality. Oval forms refer to an organic and vivacious environment. The orange color of the structure is that of traditional seamanŽs wear. It The alerting orange color makes the seamen visible, from near and from afar, and enhances their security. The orange & quasi fluorscent & color is also the classic color of a buoy. It becomes visible at sea even in the dark night, when the seamen go searching for drift nets. The structure is clad with aluminium sheets characterised by a rugged surface. The non slippery pattern is that used on iron boards in freezing plants and fishmeal factories,and aboard fishing vessels. The building is on one and a half floors, - elevated to provide a view over the mouth of the harbour. A watchplace to follow and pilot boats and vessels sailing to and fro.

The control room hovers towards the seafront, resembling the superstructure of a vessel. At first glance, function appears to determine the aesthetic; form, color, appearance. But in the Port Weighing Station this distinction between the aesthetic and the functional is diffused becomes artificial as the aesthetic value amalgamates with the form, color and function. It is intrinsic. The absence of the superfluous underlines a reality where the manmade is defined in terms of the practical and the functional. That is the basic concept behind the Port Weighing Station in the village of Thorlálkshöfn.

Construction data: Bearing exterior walls are made of fortified concrete, with 100 mm exterior insulation. Flat roof with membrane and flashings on the edges. Aluminium profiled windows. Cantelevered concrete slab for the control room. Interior walls are made of concrete and plaster. Interior materials are palesander, blackish linoleum and white painting. m2: 114,2 m3: 394,6 Authors/architects: Yrki architects Electrical engineering: VJI Verkfræðistofa Structural engineering: Mannvit Acoustic engineering: Verkís Client: Þorlákshöfn Port Authority Contractor: Trésmiðja Sæmundar (SæmundurŽs carpentry)