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The Atelier Nyp is a sustainable artist's studio and guesthouse designed by Studio Bua on the site of a former sheep shed in remote western Iceland. Completed in 2023, the cabin was built on the repurposed concrete foundation of the original structure, which had been destroyed by extreme weather. This approach minimized the project's environmental impact and maximized existing resources, both material and cultural. Located in Skarðsströnd, the cabin is part of a broader development by Studio Bua of former farm buildings into a home, cultural spaces, and additional guesthouses. The project is named after the Nypurhyrna mountain that rises up from behind it. The cabin features a deliberately simple, jet-black corrugated steel exterior that references the local vernacular and protects against the harsh Icelandic weather. Its off-center pitched roof echoes the distinctive shape of one of the area's dominant mountain peaks. The interior features exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls, which create a warm and cozy atmosphere. The space is divided into two independent units: a workspace with living quarters for the artist and her husband, and a self-contained mini-apartment for guests. Salvaged materials were incorporated throughout the project, including a staircase from a historic Reykjavík building and kitchen units from a 1950s apartment. Credits Architect: Studio Bua Architects: Sigrún Sumarliðadóttir (co-founder, Studio Bua) Client: Þóra Sigurðardóttir and Sumarliði R. Structural Engineer: Gísli Guðmundsson Contractor: Eiríkur Kristjánsson Photographer: Studio Bua Manufacturers: Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), concrete, and corrugated steel
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Studio Bua:
Studio Bua is an architectural and design practice based in London, UK, but co-founded by Icelander Sigrún Sumarliðadóttir and Mark Smyth, with a focus on collaborative projects in Iceland. The studio's name, derived from the Icelandic word for "inhabit," reflects its human-centered approach to creating sensitive, context-aware, and sustainable spaces. The firm has gained international recognition for its work in Iceland, including the renovation of a derelict concrete barn into the "Hlöðuberg Artist Studio," where they utilized local craftsmanship and materials to create a modern and comfortable space. Studio Bua is known for its hands-on approach and for creating thoughtful designs that respect and respond to the unique characteristics of each environment.
