Hafnartorg

SUMMARY
The harbour area in Reykjavík, Iceland, is now the site for one of the largest construction projects undertaken in the city centre to this day. Known as “Hafnartorg”, or “Harbour Square”, the project connects the old centre to the new cultural structure Harpa and blurs the lines between old and new Reykjavík. Moreover, the project, centred on seven distinct buildings, creates a public space that stimulates movement through the area, carried over from adjacent areas. The area will be a mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants, alongside residential apartments and modern office spaces.

ARCHITECTURAL QUALITIES OF YOUR PROJECT
Various factors have shaped the project in their own way. Firstly, the need for both retail and residential space in Reykjavík’s increasingly popular city centre was a key factor in the design process. Secondly, honouring history and preserving remnants of times gone by have played a large role. To this effect, the buildings merge into the existing city pattern and connect to the harbour, which is but a stone’s throw away, honouring the location by displaying a part of the old stone wall in landscape design and replicating its pattern in paving stones.
Ground floor spaces are dedicated to retail and service, whereas upper floors are reserved for residential apartments and office spaces. Green rooftop gardens will be accessible to all tenants, essentially forming a secret haven amidst the colourful rooftops of Reykjavík, and the project’s largest building will be built using prefabricated materials that also have a structural purpose that will, as such, be the first of its kind in Iceland.
Essentially, the overarching purpose of the project is to create a multifunctional space and merge, in the best possible way, work life, family life, and recreation alongside supporting existing activity in the vibrant and colourful city centre.


ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITIES OF THE PROJECT
Iceland is quite unique when it comes to construction, as materials are not readily available in a nature void of trees and clay. This means that it becomes necessary to rethink each building’s environmental impact and find solutions in unusual places. We chose to employ tried and tested building methods and Iceland’s most easily accessible material – concrete. Partly produced locally, it minimizes the build’s carbon footprint. The buildings’ shape and rendering also aim at minimizing the effects of Icelandic weather. Moreover, we divert excess warm water to melt snow on streets and walkways.
We use geothermal heat to provide heating, as is custom in the city. It is cost-effective and environmentally friendly as no fossil fuel is required. In addition, the buildings’ green roofs and roof gardens lessen the effects of heavy rains on drains and sewerage, as well as filtering polluted air.
Therefore, our environmental philosophy aims at adapting the project to the actual challenges that come with building in Iceland and minimizing the carbon footprint by using locally sourced materials wherever possible, relying on green energy for heating, and using all excess heat to create a safer outside environment.

Financial background
Inspired by a need in the market for an area where commercial, retail and residential needs are met, the Harbour Square project’s purpose is to cater to these needs from the outset. This project is a first in Reykjavík and includes luxury office space, premium retail space and quality residential apart