Arborg House, by PK Arkitektar, emerges from the landscape as if it were a natural outcrop of the moss-covered hills along the Hvítá River. The structure appears as if it has grown organically from the earth. The light grey, fair-faced concrete exterior, infused with gravel from the riverbed, mimics the texture and color of the surrounding terrain. The roof, blanketed with moss preserved from the footprint of the house, further enhances this seamless integration, blurring the boundary between built environment and untouched nature.
- Name: Arborg House
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Size: 2,755 sq. ft.
- Built: 2010
Arborg House is located on the serene banks of the Hvítá River, a two-hour drive east of Reykjavik. This vacation house seamlessly integrates with its moss-covered hillside surroundings. The site offers breathtaking views of a tranquil river bend, where icebergs drift from a distant glacier towards the sea each spring. Designed to immerse occupants in nature, the approach to the house begins at the top of the hill, leading visitors through a carefully choreographed sequence of spaces—from the entrance porch, through a secluded courtyard, and into the expansive living area that opens onto a terrace. This design choice creates a fluid connection between the interior and the panoramic vistas of the river and the western mountains.
The living, dining, kitchen, and master bedroom are all arranged within a continuous, open-plan room, ensuring that the beauty of the surrounding landscape is always within sight. The children’s and guest rooms are discreetly connected via a corridor at the rear of the house, facing north. The exterior is characterized by a broken surface of light grey, fair-faced concrete, with gravel from the riverbed embedded into the material. This finish not only complements the mossy terrain but also creates a harmonious blend with the natural environment. The home’s roof is covered in moss that was meticulously preserved during construction, reinstalled to further integrate the building with its setting.
Inside, the use of untreated teak boards on floors and ceilings echoes the raw, organic quality of the concrete walls, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The house’s design extends outdoors, where a terrace leads to an infinity pool lined with selected pebbles from the nearby riverbed. This pool serves as a natural barrier, offering uninterrupted views of the river while maintaining safety. The structure, cast in concrete with a steel-framed roof, is insulated on the exterior and heated with underfloor geothermal energy sourced from within the property, providing both sustainability and comfort.
- Architect: PK Arkitektar
- Photography: Rafael Pinho
- Location: Selfoss, Iceland
