Sustainability Report

SP(R)INT STUDIO adopted a number of low-carbon strategies and innovations in its architectural reinterpretation of Stöng. The restoration integrates contemporary sustainability strategies with site-specific heritage conservation. The studio refrained from a reliance on active mechanical systems or high-tech solutions, both of which are inappropriate for the setting.

Embodied carbon and material strategy

• The project achieved significant carbon reductions through material re-use and an adaptive reconstruction of the original 1957 shelter. The design team retained the primary structural frame of the existing shelter, preserving both embodied energy and cultural continuity.
• The reuse of foundations, wood structures, and anchoring systems eliminated the need for extensive new concrete work, which is typically one of the highest sources of embodied emissions in construction.
• All new cladding and structural additions employ locally sourced, untreated larch timber, a renewable and carbon-sequestering material. The timber is naturally weather-resistant, removing the need for chemical treatments or frequent maintenance.
• The roof is constructed from corrugated polycarbonate sheet, chosen for its lightweight, high insulation value, and recyclability. The material’s diffusion of daylight minimises the need for artificial lighting and reduces visual impact on the site.
• The landscaping strategy integrates blue-green infrastructure — bioswales and permeable surfaces eliminate the need for hard stormwater management infrastructure, reducing carbon-intensive concrete and pipework.
• Site excavation was minimised to protect archaeological integrity and to reduce earth-moving emissions.

Key sustainable materials

The restoration project prioritised low-impact, durable, and locally appropriate materials to reduce carbon emissions and preserve the archaeological site.

1. Corrugated polycarbonate roofing

This translucent roofing material is lightweight, durable, and provides thermal insulation and UV resistance. It diffuses daylight, reduces reliance on artificial lighting, and is recyclable.

2. Locally sourced larch timber

Sourced from regional Icelandic or Nordic forestry cooperatives (non-branded). Larch is a naturally weather-resistant hardwood, requiring no chemical preservatives or surface treatments. Its durability, dimensional stability, and natural resistance to fungal decay make it ideal for exposed conditions.

3. Structural frame (reuse of timber and anchoring systems)

The project retained and adapted the existing structural system of the original 1957 timber frame shelter, reducing emissions from demolition, disposal, and new material fabrication.

4. Landscape infrastructure

Permeable surfaces and bioswales are made using locally sourced gravel, volcanic aggregate, and native topsoil. These landscape materials support passive water management, soil regeneration, and biodiversity without the need for concrete or stormwater pipes.

5. Salvaged timber and cladding

Sustainability features included the reuse of demolition material. This reduced construction waste exports and minimised the need for imported resources.

Operational energy and passive systems

• The shelter operates without heating or mechanical systems. Its design incorporates passive climate-responsive strategies.
• The lightweight corrugated polycarbonate roofing reduces structural demands. The translucent material allows for passive solar gain.
• Ventilation is fully passive, with natural cross-ventilation and air renewal.
• Perforated cladding elements prevent condensation and microbial growth.

Carbon capture, soil regeneration, and ecological design

• The project adopts land-based carbon mitigation strategies.
• The new landscape design employs native revegetation techniques. The use of ling vegetation (heather) cover around the shelter’s edges facilitates natural carbon uptake.
• The design supports soil regeneration and carbon fixation.
• All construction and excavation waste was separated and recycled. Timber off-cuts and cladding were repurposed.
• No hazardous materials were introduced into the project.

Architectural innovation and long-term resilience

• The project’s key architectural innovation lies in embedding low-carbon principles within a heritage restoration context. This approach is often overlooked in traditional carbon accounting.
• The project defines resilience as part of a long-term carbon strategy. The shelter is expected to last well beyond conventional architectural lifespans with minimal operational input. This removes any need for further emissions-intensive interventions for decades to come.
• The Stöng project embodies post-carbon architecture, prioritising minimal resource usage while emphasising profound meaning. It is deeply intertwined with its climatic, historical, and geological surroundings. It challenges the notion that sustainability must always be technological.