Design Society members Minarc have reached The International Hotel & Property Awards shortlist with another unique project. Shortlisted for the Restaurant within a Hotel Award, Silfra restaurant is situated within Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, shortlisted last week for the Hotel under 50 Rooms Award (see project).

True to its namesake — the Icelandic natural wonder where Eurasian and North American plates drift apart — Silfra restaurant is a place of beauty and serenity, marvel and euphoria. Through the utilization of native materials and sustainable practices, Silfra echos the natural surroundings and extreme contrasts of Iceland, a place where the darkness of winter concedes to the summer’s midnight sun, and fire and ice co-exist.

Contrasting natural wood panels unify the room with a contemporary, yet rustic feel.

We are first met with a rush of silver drapes that mimic a gentle waterfall cascading across a wall of crystal clear windows that offer breath-taking views. Contrasting natural wood panels unify the room with a contemporary, yet rustic feel. Across the dining room is a floor to ceiling sitting booth that is as much a work of art as it is a means of comfort. The booth, upholstered in a blue-green opalescent fabric that calls to mind the pristine, glacial waters of the Silfra rift, features a mosaic pattern that emulates the surreal underwater landscape of jagged lava rock. Mounted on the far wall is a larger than life sculpture of the salmon trout, an ancient specie and protected fish found only in Lake Thingvallavatn. Placed in prominent lake viewing position is a long counter table adorned with photographs of the legs of typical local adventurers—a fisherman, a scuba diver and a hiker. Take a seat at the communal table and enjoy a drink with new friends while imagining yourself exploring the natural wonders of the Silfra rift in someone else’s shoes.

The booth, upholstered in a blue-green opalescent fabric that calls to mind the pristine, glacial waters of the Silfra rift, features a mosaic pattern that emulates the surreal underwater landscape of jagged lava rock.

Mounted on the far wall is a larger than life sculpture of the salmon trout, an ancient specie and protected fish found only in Lake Thingvallavatn.