With a subterranean spa carved into the volcanic earth, a terraced geothermal lagoon, a restaurant that reinvents Iceland´s culinary heritage, and 62 elegant guest suites surrounded by a stunning mineral-rich waterscape, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland opens door to an unparalleled journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration.

To preserve the enchantment and inspiration manifested by Icelands natural lighting and the night sky, architectural lighting was designed to create relaxing atmosphere by articulating the relationship between nature, human biology and architectural design.

Light levels throughout the Retreat is carefully controlled and balanced taking into consideration the amount and availability of natural light. All lighting products specified allow for a superior level of comfort, meeting the functional requirements at the same time creating a mood and atmosphere for the guests to relax and rejuvenate. Indirect, soft and diffused lighting is employed, revealing the essence of materials, its delicate textures and to provide emphasis on the architectural volume.

Biodynamic lighting is employed in the guest rooms, with tunable fixture embedded into Clipso acoustic ceiling.

Deep underground, surrounded by lava walls is the wine cellar. Without illuminating the ceiling, a floating light canopy reinforces an intimate and enigmatic environment. White light at the base of the volcanic rock reveals the natural iridescent colours and surface textures of the rock.

With technology facilitating design intentions, the concept was to establish a seamless connection and to integrate the elements of design with nature, human biology and architecture.

Client: The Blue Lagoon
Builder: Jáverk
Lighting Designer: Liska ehf., Guðjón L. Sigurðsson, Reynir Örn Jóhannesson, Sandra Dís Sigurðardóttir og Rósa Dögg Þorsteinsdóttir
Architect: Basalt architects
Interior designer: Basalt architects and Design Group Italia
Electrical designer: Efla
Electrical contractor: Rafholt
Lighting supplier: Iguzzini, Vibia
Other essential parties: Verkís, The Blue Lagoon
Photo credit: Gunnar Sverrisson, Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson and Blue Lagoon.

Located near the harbor in central Reykjavík, The Old Pier reappeared during the construction in the area in 2018. Originally built in 1884, the old pier disappeared under the refill of the area in 1940 and had mostly been hidden since then. Once revealed, and due to the impressive state of the pier itself, a decision was made to adapt a portion of it into the new design of the area.

During the design phase, designers were very aware of the pier in a historical context and the importance of telling that story through material, texture, and light.

The lighting concept takes its inspiration from the sea, the history of the pier and its connection to the people of the city and its closest surroundings through the decades.

Warm colour temperatures and low light levels surround the old pier. Instead of illuminating the pier itself, light fixtures are hidden in benches, rails, walls and the ground on the square above the excavation. Inspired by the main mast of the ships that once occupied the pier, custom designed lamps rise above the excavation and illuminate the square where the rest of the pier lies underneath the surface.

The new design of the area is a dialogue between the old and the new. It may work simple in many ways and does not crave for your attention, but when exploring the site one can find various details through light and design that refers to the history of the area and its surroundings.

Client: The City of Reykjavík, Iceland
Lighting Designer: Andri Garðar Reynisson, Mannvit
Landscape Architect: Landmótun
Electrical Designer: Mannvit
Electrical Contractor: Lóðaþjónustan
Lighting supplier: Led Linear, Berthelme, Filix and Helvar controls
Photo credit: Guðmundur Ólafsson