Dansa

Dansa — IADA 2026 award

Dansa received Honorable Mention recognition at the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026 in Architecture. Project status, design team and credits are listed alongside the presentation.

About the project

Perched above Lake Elliðavatn, this residence is conceived as a restrained architectural response deeply rooted in its landscape. The design establishes a continuous dialogue with its surroundings, using light, views, and material clarity to shape everyday living rather than compete with nature.

Interiors extend the character of the Icelandic environment, drawing on tones and textures inspired by snow, lava, moss, and sunlight. Plastered concrete walls, slatted oak ceilings, and a singular coloured kitchen island introduce warmth and focus, while minimal partitions allow uninterrupted sightlines from forest to sky. Changing daylight conditions animate the spaces, responding to seasonal rhythms.

Custom-designed furniture and integrated elements reinforce a cohesive architectural language. Built-in storage, sculptural seating, and carefully crafted woodwork maintain visual clarity, while private spaces are oriented to frame intimate views of the landscape.

The project is defined by its sensitivity to climate and time, accommodating long summer days, dark winters, and natural phenomena. Durable materials and precise proportions create a calm, resilient environment where architecture and nature remain closely intertwined.

Minarc

Minarc
Minarc is an award-winning architectural firm known for its commitment to sustainable, innovative, and minimalist design. Founded by Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, Minarc is celebrated for its use of their fire-resistant and noncombustible building system that is constructed sustainably, often incorporating Icelandic influences into its work. The firm specializes in diverse architectural projects, including residential homes, accessory dwelling units, and commercial spaces. Minarc’s groundbreaking construction system exemplifies their dedication to fire-resistant, noncombustible, modular, and eco-friendly building solutions.