THE VILLA
A residential design set in the Reykjanes Penninsula in South Iceland. A UNESCO Global Geopark and part of the European and Global Geopark network, the peninsula, is know for it´s diversity of volcanic and geothermal activity and is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. The Geopark Villa, is the brainchild of artist turned perfumer Andrea Maack and draws inspiration from the moon-esque landscapes of the peninsula marked by active volcanism under its surface, and large lava fields with numerous hot springs and sulphur springs. The Geopark Villa appears calm and confident, set within its lava-fields, with seafront views and a front yard of magnificent cliffs.
Andrea Maack (b.1977) is an Icelandic visual artist known for her detailed line drawings and performance pieces often based around the world of fashion, design and beauty which led to the launch of her eponymous unisex fragrance brand in 2015. While working on her brand identity she relocated back to Iceland after spending years in Milan Italy mixing her heritage and memories of travelling around the country as child with Italian craftsmanship. The brands custom made flacon is inspired by Volcanic obsidian rocks found in the Icelandic highlands and manufactured in Parma Italy in collaboration with heritage manufacturer Bormioli Luigi. The design was voted one of the best innovation bottle design by Wallpaper* Magazine in 2018.
Maack relocated back to Iceland in 2017 with her family and immediately set out to find a place where she could set up a studio, showroom and residential villa all in one. She kept coming back to The Reykjanes Penninsula that ticked a lot of the boxes she was looking for and came across a seafront-spot in Innri-Njarðvík, situated between The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and the international airport in Keflavik. This piece of land is set on seafront cliffs and sits on an ancient lava field. The unspoilt views give a solitary vibe such as being lost in space with a direct view of mountain clusters, while still only 10 minutes drive form the International airport in Keflavík city, perfect for the busy entrepreneur and business owner that travels extensively for her work.
The Geopark Villa is inspired by various historical references including Brutalist architecture mixed with Maack´s own brand identity. It was important to her to give herself artistic freedom and think outside of the box when it came to the designs. She was heavily influenced by the area itself mixed with her own work and archives that span over 15 year period.
The Villa´s main purpose is a sanctuary for Maack to spend time with the family, a large studio for her creative work and a showroom for her eponymous brand. The design was inspired by the volcanic system of the region consisting of lava fields, postglacial basaltic crater rows, and small shield volcanoes – an iconic image of Iceland, particularly for visitors that usually see this landscapes first while landing at Keflavík Airport. The villa, made out of concrete and clad in textured local stone, creates a similar – yet thoroughly contemporary – impression, placed among the lava rocks, which also feature a shimmering, long swimming pool at the edge of the property perfect for laying in and looking up to the skies for a Northers Light show during the winter months. Inside however, the house transforms into an elegant luxurious home featuring large windows that bathe the interiors with light and open up framed views of the outdoors. This relationship between inside and outside was key, and as you go from the kitchen to the living room, you always transit through the fireplace. This is a family home with a hub in the heart of the house where the family can gather – reading books, playing the piano or creating new artwork.
