Júlia Brekkan
Brimketill Viewpoint
Path
A robust and slip-free iron-grid viewing platform has been placed at Brimketill, a naturally carved pool where the forces of nature are in control of the surroundings.
Cities and towns
National parks
UNESCO sites
UNESCO global geoparks
Main roads
Airports
Cruise ports
Case
Infrastructure
Paved road
Walking path
Sand / Gravel
Rocks / Cliffs
River / Ocean
Powerful forces at play
Due to the close proximity to the ocean, the terrain and infrastructure at Brimketill are constantly weathered by wind and water. Enabling access to, and experience of, the powerful forces of nature demands robustness of design without calling attention to the designed structure itself.The challenge is to allow people to experience the powers of nature while still ensuring visitor safety, and also the structure’s durability in the demanding environment.
Robust platform
Brimketill is a natural kettle carved into the lava on the oceanfront, where powerful waves hit the lava shore. Cracked with rough edges and surfaces, the lava is under constant deformation. The site at Brimketill is a viewpoint that creates access to the powerful interplay between natural elements.To protect the unique landscape and ensure visitor safety, a steel platform was placed on top of the lava by Brimketill. The location enables visitors to get a good view of the geometric lava kettles while experiencing the power of the waves that reach close to and, at times, over the site. The platform frame and railings are constructed from untreated steel, while a fibre-plastic flooring material reduces the risk of slipping due to the seawater on the platform. The structure is designed to merge with its surroundings and constructed in a way that it can be removed without a trace. The platform has not yet required any maintenance, as it has withstood the heavy seas and bad weather. However, the path towards the platform needs regular repair and maintenance due to the constant onslaught of the ocean waves. An additional platform will be built in the area in the near future.
Key facts
- Location
Brimketill, Reykjanes Geopark, SW Iceland
- GPS points
N63° 49' 4.741" W22° 35' 56.075"
- Protection Framework
UNESCO Global Geopark
- Estimated number of visitors a year
64,752 per year (about 65,000 since the opening in June 2017)
- High season
July: 15,548 (about 500 per day)
- Low season
December: 2,946 (about 95 per day)
- Project Owner
Brimketill is a state property located in the Grindavík area, managed by Reykjanes Geopark
- Designer
Landmótun Landscape Architects
- Year of construction
2016-2017
- Materials
Untreated steel and fibre-plastic
- Grants
ISK 31,023,672 from the Tourist Site Protection Fund in 2015-2020