Elliðaárstöð

Renovation of buildings at Elliðaá power station - a dialogue between past and present

The reconstruction and transformation of protected buildings at Elliðaá Power Station shows how maintenance projects can be approached through a dialogue between past and present. The old power station was built in 1921 and subsequently the station manager's house, a shed, a barn and a cowshed were built. In 1936, the current substation was built, which today houses a guest house and an apartment. After they stopped farming at Elliðaá Power Station, the houses were used as storage and workshops. Recently, the buildings have been given a makeover and a new role as a café and a vibrant cultural and educational area that provides insight into the history of energy efficiency in Iceland.

Graphics are prominent in the environment

Multidisciplinary teams and constant dialogue are important

The design was carried out by a multidisciplinary team called Terta, consisting of architects, a product designer and a graphic designer. The emphasis was on retaining the original character of the buildings, building on their history and creating a space that communicates research on energy and utilities in a lively way. It was important that there was a dialogue between designers, engineers and clients from the very beginning. Instead of designers simply submitting a proposal that would then be technically solved later, the emphasis was on a continuous dialogue that led to a better, more economical and aesthetically stronger result. The project had to adapt to funding and solutions were often found in simplicity and creative reuse, instead of sourcing new raw materials. Interdisciplinary collaboration strengthened the project and by using graphics, the experience can be changed or exaggerated, even though the structure remains the same.

Bringing the past into the present

Old shed now houses a café

The team did not aim for a unique circular project, but rather it happened naturally by working with protected buildings, limited funds and the story they wanted to tell. The barn was restored in the same form as before with steel structures and timber cladding, but some original features such as a barn door and a push trolley in the spine of the building were retained. A new glass structure connects the buildings and forms a sheltered courtyard where visitors to the café can enjoy the outdoors, play and learn. Instead of buying new items to fit into the space, the work was more focused on finding a context for the existing items, while inside the buildings you can find lights and furniture from the Icelandic Energy Corporation's collection. Almost all of the existing furniture were reused in the new space. Old drill rods were used to demarcate walkways and old water main caps are used as surface material in the square. Timber from an old pressurized water pipe is used in walkways and a seating platform in the square. The emphasis was on mixing future, past and present, while still always telling a story.

The project is a stepping stone for the team

Cultural preservation, education and circular thinking were the main themes of the project, which is an example of how to use existing buildings for new purposes. In successful preservation and circular projects like this, an emphasis should be placed on an interdisciplinary approach and good communication throughout the process. Challenges often arise when uncovering old layers, and flexibility and patience are good qualities for a team to have. The project has received some attention and the outdoor area received the Reykjavík City Beautification Award, where older flora was preserved and an emphasis on natural materials.

You can read more about the project at Terta.is