Port Weighting Station in Thorlakshofn: Combining Function and Aesthetics

An Innovative Design by Yrki architects

The Port Weighting Station is elevated on one and a half floors, providing a commanding view of the harbor mouth. The elevated position serves as a watchplace for monitoring and piloting boats and vessels entering and leaving the harbor. The control room, resembling the superstructure of a vessel, hovers towards the seafront, adding to the building's visual appeal.

The structure is clad with rugged aluminum sheets, featuring a non-slip pattern commonly found on iron boards in freezing plants, fishmeal factories, and fishing vessels. This choice of material ensures durability and safety in a maritime environment.

The Port Weighting Station's technical specifications include fortified concrete exterior walls with 100mm exterior insulation, a flat roof with membrane and flashings, and aluminum profiled windows. The control room is supported by a cantilevered concrete slab. Inside, the walls are made of concrete and plaster, while the interior materials consist of palesander, blackish linoleum, and white painting.

Completed in 2009 in Thorlakshofn, Iceland, the Port Weighting Station is a testament to Yrki architects' commitment to integrating functionality and aesthetics. The design reflects the history of the town and the fishing industry, with its color, material, and texture choices evoking a sense of the maritime environment.

One of the challenges faced by the designers was convincing the locals of the orange color choice for the building. Despite being a well-known color in the fishing industry in Iceland, it required careful explanation and consideration to ensure acceptance.

The Port Weighting Station exemplifies Yrki architects' approach to design, which emphasizes the integration of practicality and visual appeal. By critically assessing the existing environment and respecting its context, Yrki architects have created a structure that meets the needs of its users while making a positive architectural contribution to the area.

The Port Weighting Station in Thorlakshofn has been recognized for its excellence in design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2015 in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements.

Photography credits for the Port Weighting Station go to Þordis Erla Agustsdottir.

With its unique blend of functionality and aesthetics, the Port Weighting Station in Thorlakshofn stands as a testament to Yrki architects' innovative approach to design. This structure not only serves its purpose as a weighing station but also adds visual interest to the harbor, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of the area.