SYSTRAHÚS 1

PK Arkitektar were asked to design two houses simultaneously for two sisters, located on the same street of a conventional residential area. The street that divides the two plots cuts a steep slope in two, tending the plots completely different conditions. The cul-de-sac at its end opens up to a magnificent view of the harbor of Hafnarfjörður. To utilize the available views, the houses were designed with reversed strategies. One stretches down the hill from above while the other climbs up from below. The programs for both were quite similar, with a shared wish for open social areas and enclosed private sleeping areas. In both houses the entrance is at street but in Systrahús 2 a ramp takes you down to the living room and kitchen area, opening up to the view. White in Systrahús 1, a play with split levels provides fantastic views from the various levels.

Systrahús 2's living space is carved out from a solid mass. The open balcony linking to the private spaces on the street side of the house hangs from the reinforced concrete roof above, offering views through the double height glazing to the sea below. By contrast, Systrahús living space is stacked on top of the private areas on the ground floor. In terms of materials, Systrahús 2 is a two-story fair-faced concrete house. The concrete continues inside, contrasting with warm walnut furniture Systrahús 1, by contrast, is a clear white prism, standing with two floors up from street level. The white plaster flows into the house, and again the walnut furniture provides contrast and warmth.