Samúel Aron Laufdal Guðlaugsson

Despite Iceland’s renowned natural beauty, 94% of its population resides in urban areas, with a significant concentration around the capital, Reykjavík. This will continue to be the reality as the municipalities’ answer to the ongoing housing crisis is to continue densifying the urban setting. This thesis therefore explores Iceland’s void between urban and rural housing options and proposes a design solution to meet the growing desire of capital residents to live closer to and immersed in nature. The thesis examines a housing option where residents can recharge in a home surrounded by lakes, trees, animals, and tranquility rather than the noise of the city. In today’s post-pandemic era, working from home is becoming more normalized, resulting in people seeking homes in less busy areas. These pressures create the perfect conditions to start rethinking the relationship between the urban and rural spaces.

Through the lens of Ebenezer Howard’s “Three Magnets” theory, this thesis examines existing rural living models abroad as well as in Iceland while focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the country’s unpredictable weather, geography, and unique socio-political context. A key investigated issue is the outdated municipal law, which limits services to unofficially registered addresses, excluding many rural dwellers from legal recognition and public services. By interviewing an existing community of people “hidden” from society, this thesis seeks an insight into what is desired, missing, or required by those who already live this lifestyle.

Results propose a new housing model for Icelandic residents on the outskirts of its capital borders. And the design of a sustainable, family-oriented, community-driven settlement. Using local techniques and off-the-shelf material, this thesis illuminates an affordable model that focuses on slow-paced, individual living within a community that respects its natural surroundings.