National Institute of Health

The proposal is well prepared and presents a strong idea for the construction of the Heilsustofnun integrated into the landscape. Thus, it separates itself from the adjacent settlement and a new residential "village", located on the south side of the site. An interesting proposal is put forward for an alternative approach to the Health Institute with a large garden pavilion; a "greener world" open to the public for education and entertainment. Thus, a green world and the swimming pool become very crucial as the face of the health village outwards. The east-west axis leads to Heilsustofnun on the south and the health resort to the north and continues to descend to Varmá. All parking spaces are placed in a dugout two-story and semi-covered parking garage northeast of the Bay Area neighborhood. The idea is good, but most likely costly to implement.

The treatment core is all on one floor and solved nicely with 40 rooms on two upper floors which can be completed in the first phase. Rooms are arranged on one side of a corridor that runs around an entrance courtyard. Distances are unnecessarily long and there is little overview for staff. Various configurations seem unrealistic, and long, soft corridors make the building look large. Three-storey buildings with such long contiguous façade appear large and exotic in this landscape, but thus the proposal is contrary to its goal. The idea behind this proposal may be better suited to the health resort. It is organised in all main respects the same, but slightly smaller with well-placed outdoor baths facing Varmá. The relationship between a swimming pool and a treatment core would need to be improved. The residential area in the southern part of the area is well located and attractive as the car gives way to pedestrian traffic. Jury review: The authors have presented interesting and well-crafted ideas that are in line with the objectives of the competition description nicely and get buy-in.