Sp(r)int Studio Revitalizes Shelter Over Viking-Era Ruins at Stöng, Iceland
Architecture firm Sp(r)int Studio has completed a sensitive and sustainable renovation of the Stöng Viking ruins shelter, a 1950s timber structure originally built to protect an ancient archaeological site in the Icelandic highlands. The renewed building will open to the public next month, marking a new chapter in the preservation of Iceland’s Viking heritage.
Located in Þjórsárdalur valley, the Stöng ruins are the remains of a Viking longhouse and farmstead buried by volcanic ash during an eruption in 1104. In 1957, a timber structure was erected to preserve these remnants, but decades of weather exposure left the building in significant disrepair.
A Balanced Approach to Preservation and Innovation
Instead of demolishing the original shelter, Sp(r)int Studio embraced the challenge of working with the deteriorated timber structure. The design team carefully restored the existing wood frame and reinforced it using galvanised steel to maintain the historical character while ensuring structural integrity.
“The complexity of the project lay in working around the highly sensitive ruins and reusing the original structure,”
— Karl Kvaran, Co-founder of Sp(r)int Studio
The renovation respects the original footprint of the 1950s building, which follows the layout of the Viking longhouse. Sp(r)int Studio extended the structure by four metres on one end, creating a new entrance and an elevated viewing platform that allows visitors to overlook the ruins without disturbing them.
Polycarbonate Roof and Larch Cladding
One of the most striking updates is the new polycarbonate roof, which lets natural light illuminate the archaeological site while shielding it from harsh weather. The exterior is clad in larch timber slats, chosen to harmonize the structure with the surrounding landscape and evoke the simplicity of Nordic architecture.
On the opposite gable, the architects inserted a window opening to an outdoor deck, offering panoramic views over the valley and reinforcing the site’s connection to its natural setting.
“The building emerges as a thoughtful dialogue between past and present… allowing the ruins to speak through carefully framed experiences,”
— Sp(r)int Studio
Immersive Experience for Visitors
The interior now features a suspended balcony that hovers over the excavated ruins, offering both a comprehensive overview and an intimate perspective. This architectural move emphasizes quiet observation over spectacle, creating an atmosphere that invites reflection on the ancient civilization preserved beneath.
Outside, the team added a walking trail and footbridge, which link the shelter to nearby historic landmarks, expanding the visitor journey across the valley.
Celebrating the Intersection of Architecture and Archaeology
The project was recently exhibited at DesignMarch, Iceland’s leading design festival, in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland. The exhibition shared the story of the renovation, the excavation, and the close relationship between architecture and archaeology that made the project possible.
“It was both important and compelling to present the new building at Stöng while retelling the story of the site and its excavation,”
— Karl Kvaran
A Model for Heritage Architecture
Sp(r)int Studio’s renovation of the Stöng Viking ruins shelter is a prime example of restorative architecture that respects history while enhancing visitor engagement. With its restrained interventions, durable materials, and atmospheric spaces, the project redefines how we experience and protect our most ancient cultural sites.
As it opens to the public, the new shelter will serve not only as a protective structure but as a cultural beacon, offering insights into Viking life and showcasing the power of thoughtful, interdisciplinary design.
Photos: Claudio Parada Nunes.
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