konstantin ikonomidis camouflages transparent pavilion in its greenlandic surroundings

vanishing into the surrounding topography

swedish architect konstantin ikonomidis in cooperation with qeqqata municipality designed and carried out the ‘qaammat fjeld pavilion‘ in sarfannguit, greenland. located in an open landscape on a UNESCO heritage site, the transparent installation is camouflaged in its mesmerizing surroundings. the building’s volume incorporates glass blocks organized to form two narrow openings, inviting guests to experience the structure with all their senses.

seeking to respect the landscape and identity of the site, the architects conceived a subtle structure that plays with transparency, light, and scale. simultaneously, its crystalline appearance attempts to blur the physical boundary between man-made structures and the natural landscape. as the viewer’s perspective changes, the structure can blend and even vanish into the topography. all images courtesy of  © julien lanoo

a gathering point that connects locals and visitors 

‘qaammat fjeld pavilion’ by architect konstantin ikonomidis on behalf of UNESCO aasivissuit – nipisat, greenland and qeqqata kommunia, in collaboration with sisimiut museum, celebrates the inuit intangible cultural heritage of the environment. the design team chose the location of the project carefully, which is characterized by the two fjords that meet on the eastern tip of the hills. they sought to generate a gathering point, encouraging locals and visitors to interact and get immersed in the astonishing scenery. 

following the same traditional technique with which every typical house in the settlement is constructed, the pavilion is anchored in the terrain drilled into the rock with 40-mm holes. two horizontal metal bars enclosing two semi-circles are standing on metal poles that vary in length according to the terrain. above the circles, solid cast glass bricks —manufactured and partly sponsored by wonderglass— are stacked on top of each other, describing the pavilion’s body. meanwhile, a linear pathway opens at both ends, acting as the entrance to the pavilion.

emphasizing nature’s beauty yet vulnerability

the glass concept was chosen for its ability to emphasize sensitivity, while the material constantly reminds us of nature’s beauty yet vulnerability. perceived as a canvas, the pavilion reflects the color palette of its surroundings changing on the seasons and witnessing the passing time. looking from inside, the opaque material absorbs and spreads the natural light and creates a pleasant atmosphere in combination with the snow. 

the fjeld pavilion is designed as a poetic gesture acknowledging the natural site and rich history, the unique character of the greenlandic culture, and the spiritual sensibilities rooted in sarfannguit.

serving as a landmark of the site

respecting the heritage of the site

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vanishing into the surrounding topography

the glass meets the rock

reflecting the colors of the surroundings

the opening ceremony took place on 3 october 2021

integrated into the landscape

s anchored in the rocky terrain

project info:

name: qaammat pavilion

architect: konstantin arkitekter | @konstantin_ik, arkitekt maa

architect in chief: konstantin ikonomidis
collaborator: sisimiut museum (sisimiut katersugaasiviat), faidra oikonomopoulou and telesilla bristogianni from TU delft university 

location: sarfannguit, greenland
project start: 2019
project completion: 2021
client: qeqqata municipality, greenland

site manager, UNESCO world heritage site, aasivissuit – nipisat:
paninnguaq fleischer lyberth

photography: © julien lanoo | @ julienlanoo