Frakkastígur 1 Named Place of the Year at the Icelandic Design Awards 2026

Frakkastígur 1 has received the Icelandic Design Award 2026 in the Place category for its innovative approach to demonstrating how circular design principles can be successfully integrated into conventional construction processes. Through its distinctive architecture and thoughtful design approach, the project shows how limitations in material selection can become a driving force for creativity, ultimately giving the building its unique character, as well as significant aesthetic and cultural value.

Frakkastígur 1 is a residential and commercial building designed by s.ap architects. An outstanding example of experimental circular design, the project integrates the reuse of building materials, life cycle assessments and long-term adaptability into its architecture from the very outset.

The design of Frakkastígur 1 addresses one of the construction industry's greatest challenges: high material consumption and carbon emissions. At the same time, it responds to Iceland's demanding conditions, where buildings must meet strict requirements for weather resistance and structural durability.

The architectural approach reverses the conventional design process. Rather than determining the building's form first and sourcing materials afterwards, existing material streams were identified and mapped, allowing the design to evolve around their availability. Highway guardrails were repurposed as exterior cladding, glass from the Smáratorg tower was given a new function, and stones excavated from the building's foundations were incorporated into the ground-floor façade. By using materials sourced directly from its foundations, the building is, in part, constructed from the site itself. Abundant natural daylight, greenery and shared spaces further strengthen its connection to both the city centre and the sea.

Frakkastígur 1 demonstrates, through a completed architectural project, how the carbon footprint of buildings can be significantly reduced within the framework of conventional construction processes and existing regulations, without increasing construction costs. Reused materials gain new aesthetic and cultural value, while giving the building a distinctive identity, a sense of history and a deeper connection to its surroundings.

The jury considers Frakkastígur 1 an outstanding example of how circular design principles can become a visible and defining element of architecture. The combination of diverse reclaimed materials, corrugated aluminium cladding and greenery creates a playful, layered appearance and introduces a new architectural aesthetic. Equally noteworthy is the building's long-term adaptability, with lightweight internal partitions and a structural system designed to accommodate changes in spatial arrangements as residents' needs evolve.

At Frakkastígur 1, material selection is inseparable from the architecture itself. It gives the building character and depth, creating a compelling visual experience both in its overall composition and in its finer details. The design is characterised by careful consideration and precision, where no detail is left to chance.

The building was designed by Arnhildur Pálmadóttir of s.ap architects, a practice that has established itself at the forefront of Icelandic architecture in recent years. Arnhildur and s.ap architects were also behind Lavaforming, the project selected to represent Iceland at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2025.

IÐA, a real estate and development company, was selected through the City of Reykjavík's competition for sustainable development sites, of which Frakkastígur 1 was one. The project was developed in collaboration with s.ap architects and construction company Arnarhvol.

The Icelandic Design Awards were presented for the thirteenth time at a ceremony held at Gróska on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The award was presented by Hermann Jónasson, Director General of the Housing and Construction Authority.

The Icelandic Design Awards recognise designers, architects, design teams and studios for outstanding recent projects. The awards celebrate excellence in design and architecture, highlighting projects that represent the very best in their fields. The jury looks for work that demonstrates exceptional quality and impact, creative thinking, innovative solutions, thoughtful execution, aesthetic excellence and professional expertise. Consideration is also given to user experience, originality and the project's positive contribution to quality of life, value creation and sustainability.

The Icelandic Design Awards are organised by Iceland Design and Architecture in collaboration with the Icelandic Museum of Design and Applied Art and the Iceland University of the Arts, with support from Business Iceland, the Housing and Construction Authority, Gróska, University of Iceland Science Park and Blue Lagoon Iceland.