Coffee Chat about Building Conservation in Iceland
Ólafur Ástgeirsson, Director of the Construction and Infrastructure Division, talks to María Gísladóttir, architect at the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland, Magnús Skúlason, architect, and Alma Sigurðardóttir, project manager for building preservation, about building preservation in Iceland.
The Building Conservation Centre is a collaborative project run by the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland, along with the Reykjavík City Museum and the IÐAN Education Centre. The Building Conservation Centre is located at Árbær Open Air Museum, where people can get advice on the maintenance of old houses.
On Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m., people can seek advice at Kjötthús at Árbær Open Air Museum.
“Professionals, carpenters, architects, or homeowners come here,” says Alma, adding that the advice is very well utilized. “Everything from recommendations on colour choices to larger projects, for example, removing cladding and restoring a house to its original appearance.”
“You should reuse and repair, not throw away,” Magnús emphasizes, saying the topics are diverse as building conservation is a matter close to many people's hearts. “Even psychological problems, financial difficulties, and neighbourly disputes,” he says, adding that the advisors welcome everyone.
The coffee chat is recorded at the Building Conservation Centre's premises, the so-called Kjötthús (Meat House), which was saved for preservation from Vopnafjörður. “The National Antiquarian saved the house,” Magnús explains, noting that the house was built around 1820.
