The refuge will be located along the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland near Hrafntinnusker, which is almost halfway along the path where glaciers and ice caves are found. The structure must remain under 400 square feet and have sustainable elements, including solar power, water harvesting, and green building materials. The design must be a practical solution to overnight shelter for hikers, while maintaining Icelandic design aesthetic and elements of folklore. It must also create a sense of place and community for the backpackers to relax in.

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Concept:

Encouraging peace through unity with Norse Mythology

The concept behind the design of the hiker’s refuges is to create a space that encourages peace and unity within its surroundings. The idea connects directly with different worlds of Norse Mythology. This space is designed to represent the world “Jotunheim”, a wintry, icy region where giants reside, and correlates with its placement on the trail being next to glaciers and ice caves. The goal of this concept is to complement the area in which the refuge is located, as to allow hikers to feel peaceful through the expanse of the world.