About us

Blue Lagoon's emphasis on architecture and design is an integral part of the company's strategy. Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir, Basalt architects, is the architect of the Blue Lagoon facilities including Blue Lagoon Bath, Blue Lagoon Clinic and Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavík.

Capturing the harmonious links between man and nature is what architect Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir accomplished with the Blue Lagoon.

“I attempted to capture the mystery of the location with the ever changing play of light and shadow across the lava, the steam from the lagoon and the special light that characterizes the northern part of the world,” says Sigrídur.

“Pure Icelandic materials from moss and stones characterize the design. We wanted to emphasize the relationship between nature and the man-made,” she says. This relationship can be seen the moment a visitor steps out of his car and walks from the parking lot through a 200-meter footpath that cuts through a wall of lava. It’s like descending into a lava maze, guided by nature into the lagoon itself. Then there is the lava wall inside the facility (containing about 70,000 pieces of lava), connecting the building with an untouched lava wall that surrounds the steaming waters, providing natural shelter for bathers. The building’s soft lines blend with the lava, as it opens towards the lagoon absorbing the northern sun hanging low in the winter or rising high during the endless light of summer.

From the beginning of the Blue Lagoon project, Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir’s goal was to “protect the environment and respect its geological history.” The architect certainly succeeded. The building resembles the Blue Lagoon itself: both look as if they were carved from the rugged lava by a dramatic shifting of the earth’s crust, as if they were meant to coexist. 

     

The Blue Lagoon is located between two continents where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet, which are closely associated with the country's active volcanic system and geothermal heat. The Lava surrounding the Blue Lagoon was formed in 1226 and is called Evil Lava because it is rough and difficult to cross due to its porous surface. The lava is to a great extent covered with fragile moss which should be handled with care.

It has always been Blue Lagoon’s mission to protect the environment and let the facilities harmonize with the natural surroundings. The lava wall, which reaches throughout the building and is made from lava bricks, merits special attention. Lava restaurant is built into a cliff so it features a natural lava wall. The Brazilian wood Jatoba is used frequently due to its hardness and natural properties. 

Awards

Blue Lagoon Clinic

Icelandic Art of Building Award, 2007
The Nordic Light Award, 2006
DV - Cultural Award, 2005

Blue Lagoon Bath

Nominated on behalf of Iceland to the Mies van der Rohe awards
2002 Nominated to the Nordic Light Awards, 2002