Case Study #3

Our Inspired Design series looks at spectacular homes that have been profiled by Dwell and pairs them with Tablet hotels that share a similar aesthetic — so you can experience the style for yourself.

Surrounded by the astonishing landscapes of Southern Iceland, a summer home by architecture studio Gláma Kím underscores the region’s natural beauty at every turn. The house itself is beautiful, but it’s understated — made of concrete and wood — focused instead on giving its inhabitants optimal views of the scenery. In a breathtaking place like this, the ideal type of lodging must frame the spectacular vistas from every angle.

Here’s how Gláma Kím did it (hint: the glazing helps, a lot):
 

Iceland
The minimalist home never tries to compete with its surroundings.
Iceland
The house is perched on a high ridge, sitting modestly within the spectacular scenery.
Iceland
The central, rectangular, concrete structure features expansive glazing which showcases the stunning scenery from every angle.
Iceland
Two cedar-clad volumes are connected to the main volume via a cedar deck.
Iceland
The deck is covered with an extended cedar canopy.
Iceland
Thanks again to the extensive glazing, even the interior courtyard enjoys perfectly framed vistas.
Iceland
The living room opens to the courtyard.
Iceland
The minimalist material palette is picked up on the interiors as well, where a black concrete fireplace plays off the polished aggregate concrete floors.
Iceland
The use of wood softens the industrial feel of the concrete.
Iceland
The open kitchen blends in with sleek wooden cabinetry and black countertops.
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Another look at how the views are framed from every perspective.
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Floor-to-ceiling -to-wall views in one of the bedrooms.
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The entire property, sitting comfortably in its element.

 
All photos appear courtesy of Nanne Springer and Dwell
View the full story by Jennifer Baum Lagdameo on Dwell

 

Hotel Inspirations

If you’re looking to enjoy a maximalist environment, stay in a minimalist hotel. The same concepts utilized by Gláma Kím in Southern Iceland provide similarly ideal lodgings in stunning landscapes around the world.

 

ION Adventure Hotel

Selfoss, Iceland

ION Adventure Hotel - boutique hotel in Selfoss

Itself set in Southern Iceland, sporting concrete walls and furniture of reclaimed driftwood, the Ion Adventure Hotel is as close as you’ll get to the holiday home built by Gláma Kím. The largely monochrome interior design is just the right, understated complement to the unearthly landscapes of lichen and lava fields that surround it. And of course huge glass walls line the common areas — the views are the emphasis here.

 

Consolación

Monroyo, Spain

Consolación - boutique hotel in Monroyo

Sometimes compared to Tuscany — but without the hordes of tourists — Matarraña’s a region of Spain near enough the Mediterranean to support a lush, verdant landscape, with views you could pour yourself into for days on end. A boutique hotel called Consolación takes full advantage, putting each room in a wooden cube at the edge of a bluff. Once there, each guest has their own own glass wall (and accompanying terrace) open to the view.

 

Awasi Patagonia

Torres del Paine, Chile

Awasi Patagonia - boutique hotel in Torres del Paine

A cardboard box with a hole cut in it would do just fine in Patagonia, where the main attraction is the ephemeral mountain landscape. Fortunately, Awasi Patagonia provides just a tad more luxury than the hole-in-a-box concept. From the outside, the blond wood and geometric forms appear minimal. Once inside, the design is mind-blowing — a 50/50 blend of rustic charm and modern gloss. But the point always remains in a place like this: you cannot compete with the landscape, only complement it.

 

See all entries in our Inspired Design series.