Stöng - (Re)interpretation

Situated atop the Þjórsárdalur valley, the adaptive reuse of Stöng adopts a holistic and interpretive approach, integrating a bridge, sitting area, visitor paths, and a protective shelter that respond sensitively to the natural terrain. Serving both archaeological excavation and public engagement with heritage, the project reuses existing structures to safeguard eleventh-century Viking-age ruins while improving accessibility. Built from larch wood, galvanized steel, and polycarbonate, it mediates permanence and transience, fostering a dialogue between heritage, materiality, and landscape.

The concept at Stöng sought to reconcile fragility and permanence within one of Iceland’s most emblematic ruins, addressing three key challenges: the protection of fragile archaeological remains, the adaptation to a severe climate, and the improvement of visitor accessibility. The existing shelter, though deteriorated, provided a framework for reinterpretation rather than replacement. The design strategy emphasized reconfiguration, layering, and transparency, creating outdoor pathways and elevated platforms to preserve the ground while revealing the ruins. Building in the remote, untamed landscape added complexity, demanding a light and adaptable intervention. The shelter mediates between exposure and protection, integrating structure, light, and movement into a coherent spatial system. A holistic approach links the experience of the ruins with the surrounding terrain, guiding visitors through the landscape while ensuring preservation, continuity, and renewed understanding of the site.

The project redefines the shelter through a precise synthesis of material performance, structural reuse, and environmental responsibility. The original timber frame, once a protective framework for the ruins, has been retained and reinforced as the primary structural system, conserving embodied carbon and minimizing resource use. New structural and cladding elements of untreated larch offer natural durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to decay without chemical treatment. A lightweight corrugated polycarbonate roof enhances insulation, allows natural ventilation, and is fully recyclable. The structure is designed for complete disassembly, allowing future reuse with minimal impact. Permeable gravel and bioswales manage stormwater passively, eliminating the need for hard drainage infrastructure. Operating entirely through passive systems, the shelter requires minimal maintenance. The result is an enduring architectural vision in which heritage and ecology are intertwined.