Palimpsest

After the 1973 Heimaeyjar eruption, a new territory was created that considerably expanded the island but the new lava also buried part of the settlement to its extent To this day, this territory is seen as a wound in the landscape and it has been largely exploited for industry The Palimpsest project gives this area new life by transforming an old waste incineration plant into a composite monastic monastery and guest house The monastic monastery uses the spatial types of the monastery so that residents can experience the multi-layered landscape with a new attitude The architecture guides the visitor through the environment: the crusade leads residents from the guest house to Eldfell and a ring corridor runs through the garbage crater into the chapel's stillness.

After the Heimaey eruption of 1973 a new landmass was formed, and the island grew considerably, but the lava also flowed over a part of the old town. Resulting from this event, residents of the island viewed the new country as a sign of destruction, and it is mainly used for industry. The project Palimpsest, transforms a waste incineration plant into a monastery and guesthouse. Traditional monastery circulation typologies are used to assist residents in new light. The cloister leads guests through the monastery into Eldfell, and the ambient guides between the chapel.

Photos: Claudio Parada Nunes