Reykjavík City Beautification Awards 2023

Awards were given for three residential, institutional, and commercial grounds and three houses for their renovations. Mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson and Dóra Björt Guðjónsdóttir presented the awards today at Höfði. Reykjavík City congratulates the awardees.

These three grounds received awards for being beautiful, well-designed, and well-maintained:

Elliðaárstöð - outdoor area of Elliðaárstöð

The project Elliðaárstöð - outdoor area of Elliðaárstöð receives an award as an institutional and service grounds. It is ambitious and sets a good example of a company giving back to the community. The grass area has been converted into a diverse and fun play and learning space, and the parking area into a square. The old vegetation is preserved and well maintained, as the garden by the old power plant has significant preservation value due to its age and beautiful environment. Great emphasis is placed on natural materials. The area appeals to all age groups, and the café will serve all visitors to Elliðaárdalur.

Austurhlíð 10, 12, and 14

The grounds at Austurhlíð 10, 12, and 14 receive an award as multi-family dwelling grounds. It is well-designed with spacious areas between the buildings, making the grounds bright, open, and sheltered. It is also exceptionally well-maintained and neat. There is great diversity in plant selection, giving each season its charm. Recreational and seating areas are well-located, sheltered, and equipped with good benches. The lighting is also well-executed. The grounds have a high proportion of permeable surface, which helps rainwater and surface water enter the natural cycle. The grounds are accessible to all, with enjoyable walking paths that are well connected to the surrounding environment and pathway system.

Klapparstígur 44

Klapparstígur 44 has residential grounds. It features a delightful private garden that pleases passersby and beautifies the street view. The owners have put much effort into creating this unique and unconventional garden and have maintained it well for many years. There is an abundance of diverse vegetation, helping clean the air and playing an important role in biodiversity in the city. The garden is enclosed with a low fence, making it easy for the public to see and enjoy throughout the year.

The following three houses received awards for well-executed renovations:

Bjarnarstígur 11

The house at Bjarnarstígur 11 was built in 1913 by master carpenter Samúel Jónsson, with its first owner being Sigurður Jóhannesson. It is a two-story timber house originally clad in corrugated iron. In the mid-20th century, the house was plastered and windows were altered. Recently, significant effort has been put into its renovation. The plastering has been removed, the walls re-clad in corrugated iron, a cornice added, and new windows with appropriate window trim installed. The house has regained its original appearance and greatly enhances the street.

Háteigsvegur 36

The house Háteigur at Háteigsvegur 36 was built in 1920, designed by Finnur Ó. Thorlacius. Its first owner was Halldór Kr. Þorsteinsson, captain of the ship Jón Forseti (referring to Jón “President” Sigurðsson). Halldór lived at Háteigur with his wife Ragnhildur Pétursdóttir from Engey.

The house was originally concrete with a white painted finish and clay tiles on the roof. In the late 1930s, its walls were plastered, giving it its final appearance. In recent years, the roof tiles have been replaced, the house re-plastered, and the windows repaired. The result does great credit to this beautiful house.

Brekkugerði 19

Brekkugerði 19 was built in 1963 and designed by architect Högna Sigurðardóttir. The house was designed for Þorvarður Þorvarðarson, director of the movie theater Stjörnubíó, and his wife Erla Lýðsson Hjaltadóttir.

Högna was the first woman to design a house in Iceland, and her architecture drew significant attention for its futuristic style. She used exposed concrete, a novelty at the time, causing some confusion as people found it hard to believe the building was finished with its rough walls. In the past, Reykjavík City awarded recognition for beautiful new structures, and 50 years ago, in 1973, Brekkugerði 19 received that recognition.

On this anniversary year, it is a pleasure to award the house for the meticulous renovations, carried out with respect for its original design.

Working group

The working group responsible for the 2023 award recommendations included:

Bjarki Þór Wíum, consultant in maintenance and repair of older houses for the City Museum, Hrönn Valdimarsdóttir, landscape architect at the Department of Environment & Planning, Marta María Jónsdóttir, landscape architect at the Department of Environment & Planning, and Sólveig Sigurðardóttir, architect at the Department of Environment & Planning.

Representatives of the awardees

Birna Margrét Júlíusdóttir for Bjarnarstígur 11. Birgir Örn Brynjólfsson for Brekkugerði 19. Guðrún Helga Teitsdóttir for Háteigsvegur 36. Magnús Björn Brynjólfsson for Austurhlíð 10, 12, and 14. Birna Bragadóttir for Ellliðaárstöð. Sigríður Þorvarðardóttir and Paul Newton for Klapparstígur 44.

• Past Beautification Awards