Firm： Sei Studio

Type： Hospitality + Sport › Wellness/Spa Landscape + Planning › Public Park Urban Green Space Masterplan

STATUS： Under Construction

YEAR： 2026

Langisandur is a popular bathing destination in Akranes, an hour away from the capital Reykjavik, Iceland. Uncharacteristically calm and applroachable, the cold waters are warmly embraced by sea swimming enthusiasts. The less adventurous stroll the sandy beach: a rarity in Iceland, the kilometer long stretch of white sand is unique to certain parts of Iceland.

As part of Akranes' vision of being a destination for nature, health and sport enthusiasts, the wining proposal is an attractive pedestrian friendly waterfront built around inclusion of all its users - people with varied mobility, age groups, genders and both visible and invisible disabilities, while forging new connections for the residents to the waterfront. Until recently, Langisandur beach has been plagued by limited access to the waterfront. The solution is a redefined masterplan of 35 hectares of waterfront areas that ties together various attractions- the proposed and existing are aligned with the history of the town, interests of the community while being environmentally sensitive.

A pleathora of new experiences are built on existing cultural memories, like the outdoor showers, striking ramps that bridge differences in levels while being scenic outposts, a renewed stadium front, built-in platforms and steps extending seating for bathers and loungers, help create a new identity for the local landmark.

Architecturally striking geometric 'follies' act as placemarkers along the long stretch, while also serving as temporary installations for art work, a summer pop-up ice-cream store, restrooms and drinking fountains. They also help illuminate the area during the long dark winters, whilst accounting for local widlife needs.

Designated zones for pump tracks, urban gyms, inclusive play spaces that encourage stimming in public, are carefully inserted into pockets of space to encourage participation, while enlivening public life.

'Langisandur fyrir alla' translates to 'Langisandur for everyone'. Inclusive solutions that are subtle, thoughtful, rooted in context and the needs of its community, are at the heart of the proposal.

Team;

Client: Akranes Municipality

Architects: Sei Studio

Landscape Architects: Landmotun

Lighting consultants: Liska

Engineering: Rikhardur Kristjansson, RK Designs

Renders: Taller Origen