Ylja House

Located in a quiet area of the Grimsnes municipality in Iceland, this vacation home serves as a sanctuary for a Mexican-Icelandic family seeking warmth and a space for reunion. Named after the local word for 'warmth', this project symbolizes unity both between family and nature.

The building is rooted in a deep respect for the natural environment, aiming to forge a profound connection between its inhabitants and the surroundings. Following this, the house is composed of two timber volumes with pitched roofs, arranged in a way to maximize the captivating views of the lake and the ever-changing fields through strategically placed glazed openings. The construction was held during the summer, following a series of restrictions determined in terms of location, square meters, materials, and heights.

The single-story dwelling features a mezzanine area with a open-floor plan layout arranged around a central dinning space -a nod to Mexican customs where the social and gathering spaces hold great significance. The house blends seamlessly into its surroundings thanks to a curated neutral palette that ensures year-round adaptability.

Outside, lerki wood cladding coats the house´s facades, its rich textures and warm hues serve as a visual anchor that ties the structure to the landscape. Inside, the natural tone of the cross laminated timber blends seamlessly with subtle accents of green, black and white, adding depth and character to the interior design. The house is equipped with amenities such as a hot tub, in line with the Icelandic tradition, a septic tank due to the absence of drainage connections, geothermal water supply, radiant floor heating, and thermal insulation for both comfort and sustainability.

The construction materials selected include Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) from the MM Holtz brand, chosen for its interior aesthetic and efficient assembly. Lerki Wood was utilized for facades complemented by various membranes such as Transpir EVO90, Transpir EVO340 and Vapor Stop from the trusted Rothroblass brand. Additionally, concrete structure was employed for the foundations to ensure stability.

Due to the harsh climate conditions, special considerations were made regarding the placement of hydraulic pipes, which were buried 1.50 meters deep to prevent freezing and potential damage. In response to the climate challenges, the design incorporates pitched roofs with an impressive inner height of 5.00 meters.