A competition proposal that consist of ideas that all relate to nature and the weather on the mountain Bolafjall in westfjords of Iceland.

The House

A triangular shaped construction refers to the geometric shape of the radar station near by.

The building has no permanent footprint and can be removed if desired and acts as a shell or a shelter from the natural elements on the mountain edge. A hatch on the roof makes it accessible in the winter time when layers of snow closes the main entrance.  Rainwater is collected in a tank at the top of the building where it is filtered before it flows into a small pool on the lowest floor.  A wind turbine that utilises wind pressure and vibration to generate power is located near the building.  The energy obtained is about 30% of what can be produced by a large wind turbine but sufficient to light the building for a certain period of time, heat the water for the small pool or to charge a phone or computer. The goal of the building is to demonstrate sustainability and utilisation of energy and resources in a tangible way. This is done by inviting guests to decide whether and then how energy accumulated is used.

The Radar station

Located on a plateau at the top of Bolafjall, the radar station was built by the US Army in 1987 to monitor flight and marine traffic. The idea for the project is to add functions to the radar station so that it can send out more information then it does today. The dome itself would be cladded with screen material and send out information to guests of Bolafjall and neighbours on demand. An example of the information people can ask for is a projection of the northern light in the summer time when it cannot be seen naturally, projection of the midnight sun which is suitable in the winter time when the sun is mostly absent.  The station can also visualise on its globe the location of planes and boats nearby or above. Sailors heading into the Ísafjarðardjúp can send a message to the radar station asking for specific information that the globe would visualise and project.  The station can also be connected to sensors that measure climate change, the position of planets, floods and tide and other information. It can also be rented out to artists for specific projects.

The Platform

The viewing platform is a loop that is a part of a pedestrian walkway from the parking area and runs along the cliff. The platform stretches beyond the edge where it slopes down besides the cliffs before continuing as a footpath along the mountain edge. The platform is simple seen from a human perspective, but below it there is a man-made bird habitat with compartments and racks that merge with the handrails above made for human support. The platform is a sculpture for men and birds. The main birds in the area naturally lay eggs under various conditions, such as in shallow ponds in the rocks, and often collect stone stalks, shells and grass in the nest. So the platform becomes a natural hybrid where the lower part of is an organic habitat and a nesting area which changes appearance between seasons but the upper part is a human pathway for experiencing nature and natural forces at close range