The Island of Surtsey, Iceland, is an unexplored territory with great scientific value, offering opportunities to both understand recently formed ecosystems and to make discoveries about the inception of life. The island’s name comes from the legend of Surtr–the fire giant from the Norse mythology–signifying its birth from a volcanic eruption in 1963.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Surtsey is of great interest to scientists and researchers due to its potential for rare insights into geological and biological evolution. The project seeks to provide an opportunity to closely monitor the island, without intervening in its ecosystem. The laboratory hangs on the cliffside, hidden away from the life on the island, and provides temporary shelter within the facility for six researchers. The symbiotic relationship established between the facility and the island protects both the ecosystems of the scientists and of the island, whilst these simultaneously interact with each other.

The aim of the proposal is to create a temporary modular architecture that can be removed from the island at the end of its lifetime. The building will leave behind architectural components, merging with the island and enhancing the growth of biodiversity.