With a subterranean spa carved into the volcanic earth, a terraced geothermal lagoon, a restaurant that reinvents Iceland’s culinary heritage, and 62 elegant guest suites surrounded by a stunning mineral-rich waterscape, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland opens a door to an unparalleled journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration—bringing mind and body into harmony with nature. It is a place to unwind the clock of modern life and unlock the door to a wonder of the world.
To preserve the enchantment and inspiration manifested by Iceland’s natural lighting and the night sky, architectural lighting was designed to create a relaxing and revitalising atmosphere by articulating the relationship between nature, human biology and architectural design.
The central idea was to introduce an elevated and intimate approach to hospitality. A holistic approach was employed unique to the overarching architectural directive, to bring shape and clarity to the nuanced spatial composition.
Light levels throughout the Retreat are carefully controlled and balanced taking into consideration the amount and availability of natural light. All lighting products specified allow for a superior level of comfort, meeting the functional requirements, while at the same time creating a mood and atmosphere for the guests to relax and rejuvenate. Indirect, soft and diffused lighting is employed, revealing the essence of materials, its delicate textures and to provide emphasis on the architectural volume. Hierarchy is achieved through precise control of light and carefully choreographed light levels. By punctuating carefully controlled lighting, visual contrast was achieved wherever desired. Throughout the spa, lighting was carefully employed to avoid any direct light on the guests.
Biodynamic lighting is employed in the guest rooms, with tunable white fixture embedded into Clipso acoustic ceiling. The fixture was custom designed to replicate the effect from the Sun and the Moon with a faint, diffused halo around it.
Programmed to reproduce various phases of the day and night, along with the dark shadows that is perceived on the surface of the Moon. To be booked at the reception desk, this fixture is also utilised for waking up guests gently and gradually with variations in light levels and colour temperature without any sound.
The Moss restaurant features a large-scale custom designed, ornamental chandelier above the Chef´s table, with 106 individually controllable OLED panels. It resembles the multifaceted, columnar structure of volcanic rocks.
Deep underground surrounded by lava walls is the wine cellar. Without illuminating the ceiling, a floating light canopy reinforces an intimate and enigmatic environment. White light at the base of the volcanic rock reveals the natural iridescent colours and surface textures of the rock.Outdoor lighting was meticulously designed to preserve the relationship between humans and the environment, in harmony with surrounding nature and the night sky.
With technology facilitating design intentions, the concept was to establish a seamless connection and to integrate the elements of design with nature, human biology and architecture. Thus, creating sublime, experiential spaces wherelighting and architecture is conceived as one and the same.
