Beautification awards presented

Reykjavík City presents annual awards for exemplary properties and quality renovations of older buildings. Awards were given for three properties and three buildings. Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir and Environment & Planning Council Deputy Chair Hjálmar Sveinsson presented the awards. Reykjavík City extends warm congratulations to the property owners.

The following three properties were recognized as exemplary lots:

Bergstaðastræti 83

A beautiful corner lot that opens toward the street corridor at the corner of Barónsstígur and Bergstaðastræti. The property is exceptionally well designed with a beautiful, lush garden featuring a romantic greenhouse, wooden outbuilding and varied details that enhance the neighborhood. Low perimeter walls, well-trimmed shrubs and stately trees create an alluring sense of seclusion while drawing in passersby.

Arngrímsgata 5 – Edda House of Icelandic Language

A recent institutional property where the unique interplay between the building and its setting creates a cohesive whole. Water with rhyolite at the bottom surrounds the building, creating a strong connection with Icelandic nature. Circular Cor-Ten steel rings shape the entrance on both sides with flagstone paving, echoing the rhyolite and creating an overall design that flows into the street corridor. A terrace accessible from the building floats on the water, creating beautiful visual interest from different viewpoints. The grounds feature beautiful lighting and benches and are fully accessible. Access to the parking garage is well-designed with fencing and vegetation on both sides, blending seamlessly with its surroundings and becoming part of the overall composition.

Haukahlíð 5, Smyrilshlíð 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, Fálkahlíð 6 and Hlíðarfótur 11, 13, 15 and 17 (Multi-family lot)

The overall appearance of the inner courtyard and consistency in colors and materials complement adjacent buildings well, creating balance and tranquility. Private areas are neatly defined with dry stone walls and recurring plantings of shrubs found throughout the garden alongside other beautiful plantings. The garden's network of pathways features appealing curves and straight lines, creating circular circulation within the garden and out to the street corridor. The property is partially raised along the paths, and seating areas for residents are placed in a sunny spot in the garden.

The following three buildings receive recognition for quality renovations of older structures:

Hljómskálinn

Hljómskálinn or the Pavilion from 1923, the country's first building specifically built for musical activities, has reclaimed its former beauty. Extensive renovations in recent years have returned the building to its original character at this spectacular location in the urban landscape.

Hellusund 3

A concrete gem in Þingholt from 1917 where careful renovations in recent years have given the building a fresh appearance without diminishing its original character. With restored windows, a new roof and other updates, the building beautifies Þingholt and delights passersby.

Laugalækur 3-25

Modernist row houses from 1960 that have been given new life through renovations and color choices in the spirit of the 1960s. The houses have caught the attention of everyone who travels through the Laugarnes neighborhood since the 1960s-inspired colors were applied. This, along with building renovations, has significantly beautified the surroundings, becoming something of a landmark in Laugarnes.

2025 beautification award working group

The working group that nominated properties and buildings for the 2025 awards included Bjarki Þór Wíum Sveinsson, specialist representing the City Museum, Drífa Árnadóttir urban designer, Marta María Jónsdóttir landscape architect and Sólveig Sigurðardóttir architect.