A Gorgeous Lakeside Holiday Home In Iceland Covered In Moss And Grass

Blending the beauty and simplicity of modern architecture and the spectacular effect of the natural landscape surrounding it, this holiday home makes such a lasting impact on this area. What’s really impressive and inspiring is the fact that throughout the entire design and construction process studio KRADS which is responsible for this amazing project did their best to preserve the landscape as pristine as possible. They wanted the house to fit into the surroundings without the need to terraform around it and to destroy the beautiful nature that defines this gorgeous region.

The green roof of the house is partially sloping towards the hillside
The green roof of the house is partially sloping towards the hillside
The local moss and greenery which fills the roof allows the house to perfectly blend in with the landscape
The local moss and greenery which fills the roof allows the house to perfectly blend in with the landscape

The house is situated in Iceland on a 1000 square meter plot. It takes up a relatively small piece of land, offering in total 145 square meters of living space inside. Apart from a terrace surrounded by trees which can be accessed from the main living area, the rest of the plot is covered in very dense vegetation which was kept intact. Moreover, the architects managed to partially bring back some of the greenery that was sacrificed by giving the house a green roof

The black vertical cladding of the house is also inspired by the colors of the landscape
The black vertical cladding of the house is also inspired by the colors of the landscape
The house has a minimal impact on the landscape and all the space around it was kept intact
The house has a minimal impact on the landscape and all the space around it was kept intact
Inside, a sunken living area enjoys a great view towards the lake
Inside, a sunken living area enjoys a great view towards the lake
The interior of the house was designed to be very relaxing and to take full advantage of the magnificent views
The interior of the house was designed to be very relaxing and to take full advantage of the magnificent views

The concrete foundation of the building follows the terrain and was created on three staggered planes. Everything about the house was designed in a direct response to the beautiful landscape which surrounds it. At the same time, the scenery played an important role throughout the project. To the North the house enjoys an unobstructed view of the large þingvallavatn lake and the mountain beyond that. Similar views can also be enjoyed to the South where the social areas lead onto a beautiful open terrace. The roof can be accessed both from inside and from the exterior of the house and is covered in native grass and moss. 

In addition to the main house there's also a smaller boat shed at the front of the property
In addition to the main house there’s also a smaller boat shed at the front of the property
The materials and colors used inside are natural, warm and subdued
The materials and colors used inside are natural, warm and subdued
A wooden staircase leads up to the loft area from where the green roof of the house can be accessed
A wooden staircase leads up to the loft area from where the green roof of the house can be accessed