hotel tórshavn by henning larsen expresses faroe islands sea caves

henning larsen architects presents its winning competition entry for a new four-star hotel in tórshavn, capital city of the north atlantic faroe islands. as the team’s conceptual development stems from its commitment to improving city life, the project gives the hotel typology a more active role within its urban context. its design taps into the natural landscape of the islands to introduce a locally-inspired modernization of the classic ‘grand foyer.’ this space offers the tórshavn city center a new public gathering space, situated between the city’s main cultural venues and just beneath the main pedestrian and shopping street.

all images courtesy of henning larsen

hotel tórshavn’s expansion by henning larsen introduces a grand public foyer connected to the streets by a broad staircase. the space introduces a meeting point and pedestrian thoroughfare for both local and international visitors. partner and design director ósbjørn jacobsen of henning larsen’s faroese studio, regards the design concept as a reflection of the faroese roots. he comments: ‘in our search for a symbol of an open, active venue for the foyer, we took inspiration from the sea caves along the faroese coast, which are a striking feature of our geography. in a way, you could say our design represents the bedrock of the faroe islands, with the city life carving its way into the lower levels of the hotel.’

both a renovation and expansion, the design revitalizes the interior of the existing hotel while adding a new wing on an adjacent lot. the project will introduce approximately one hundred rooms in total. henning larsen’s 4,500 square meter proposal elevates the hotel from a three-star to four-star establishment, and positions the building as an accessible pedestrian thoroughfare between two of the city center’s most active streets. as the faroe islands explore a developing role in global tourism, henning larsen’s concept for hotel tórshavn anticipates new visitors while benefiting longtime residents. the design rises as a new landmark in an emerging hotspot, standing as an inviting icon for guests and an active commons for tórshavn’s locals.