Núpur, Dýrafjörður
In the heart of the picturesque Núpur locality, overlooking the tranquil waters of Dýrafjörður, stands a testament to modernist architecture and education. In 1975, the architect Dr. Maggi Jonson crafted a bold statement amidst the serene landscape, the modernist villa ‘‘Solvellir’’ -sun in Icelandic- that would serve as an elementary school for the children on this side of the fjord.
Designed with meticulous attention to both form and function, the villa embodied Dr. Maggi's progressive ethos, blending sleek lines and expansive windows with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
At its core lay a single, spacious classroom where young minds would gather to explore, learn, and grow.
As the years passed, the winds of change swept through Núpur, and the school's doors closed, leaving behind echoes of laughter and the promise of knowledge. Yet, Solvellir's story was far from over.
In the hands of a new couple, the villa found a little life, slow, as the inhabitants used only the upper apartment, leaving the classroom empty and unused. But fate had other plans for this architectural gem.
A family, captivated by its history and inspired by its potential, embarked on a journey to restore Solvellir to its former glory. With dedication and time, they breathed new life into its halls, preserving its modernist charm while honoring its educational legacy.
Today, the villa stands once again as a beacon of creativity and innovation, reborn as an artist residency, a sanctuary where artists from around the world gather to immerse themselves in the intersection of nature, architecture and creativity.
As the sun sets over the fjord, casting a purple glow upon the magnificent landscape of Núpur, one cannot help but admire the journey that has brought this architectural marvel full circle.
In Nupur, amidst the whispers of the past and the promise of the future, Solvellir stands, next to a former hotel (unused today) as a testament to the enduring power of nature, culture, and the transformative potential of art.