Airdate: Tiny Spaces: Iceland

Deaign & Architecture streamer Shelter launchess Tiny Spaces: Iceland later this month.

The 5 x 15mins series is a Shelter original, diving into small space living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Visit a breathtaking Glass Cottage under the Northern Lights, a Prefab Cabin nestled between a volcano and the ocean; a Water Tower painstakingly converted into a micro home, a Converted Barn given a new life by a local artist, and a special episode on the remarkable Turf Houses of Iceland.

How do these innovative spaces merge modern comforts with a minimalist ethos in extreme North Atlantic conditions?

Episode One: Glass Cottage (23 January)
In the heart of an Icelandic lava desert lies a 24 square metre cottage made of glass. Here, travellers from all over the globe sleep under the spectacular Northern Lights in secluded comfort. Built for the adventurous at heart and those yearning for an escape from the city, owner Ari spent 18 months searching for a design that could withstand extreme elements – such as icy winds gusting up to 180km per hour.

Episode Two: Prefab Cabin (30 January)
Choosing to avoid the site construction process entirely, this factory built home arrived fully finished and fulfils a long held dream for its owners: to live a simple life with very little to clean and very little to worry about. Nestled peacefully between a 4 million year old volcano and the ocean, this eco-friendly Prefab Cabin cuts a sleek shape on the landscape at just 79 square metres.

Episode Three: Water Tower (6 February)
A young couple with a passion for minimalism take on a huge challenge when they decide to convert a disused water tower into a modern home for their growing family. With exceptional views from the top floor, the Water Tower is surrounded by lava fields, mountains and a stunning coastline.

Episode Four: Converted Barn (13 February)
After many years of searching for a sanctuary that could function as both a workspace and family home, artist Gudrun Kristjansdottir discovered a derelict barn (built in 1937) on the stunning West Coast of Iceland. Told by many that she should tear the existing structure down, Gudrun enlisted the architects at Studio Bua to help bring a new era of life to this abandoned space.

Episode Five: Turf Houses (20 February)
When the Norwegian Vikings settled in Iceland, they brought with them a tradition of building out of the earth, using natural materials such as wood, uncut stone, and soil. Known as Turf Houses, these structures became the remarkable vernacular architecture of Iceland. Today, contemporary architects are turning to traditional turf building methods for inspiration and choosing to use them in modern Tiny Spaces.

Series Credits:
Directed by Damien Lipp
Director of Photography: Damien Lipp
Produced by Camille Clare, Dustin Clare & Damien Lipp
Associate Producer: Stephanie Mauro