As the first indoor shopping center to be built in Iceland, Kringlan Mall has always been a landmark for the city of Reykjavik and for the Icelandic community as a whole. Since its opening in 1987, Kringlan, strategically located near Reykjavik’s Old Town and Iceland’s busiest intersection, has not only provided a wide range of shopping options, but has also served as a central meeting place for its residents. This role is even more important when you consider the weather conditions on the island: in fact, shopping centers such as Kringlan provide a comfortable and sheltered environment that is ideal for spending leisure time. A full range of services and activities are offered to provide visitors with a full day of shopping and relaxation, with multiple dining and entertainment options to ensure that every visit is a complete and engaging experience.
The architectural firm THG Arkitektar has recently renovated the third floor of the building and turned it into a place for entertainment, dining and socializing. The project, which encompasses an area of approximately 7,000 square meters, has introduced several new themed areas, including a large food court, a children’s area, a fully renovated multiplex movie theater, a gym, and an entertaining Oche® social gaming area. The goal was to create a welcoming and stimulating environment that would enhance the visitor experience and encourage inclusivity, sharing and interaction.
In this case, Sapienstone, a brand of the Iris Ceramica Group, made a substantial contribution to the project, bringing added value in the form of high-quality ceramic surfaces for use in interior design applications. In the new Oche® social gaming area, Sapienstone chose Arabescato 4D to complement the countertops of the open-plan kitchen and cocktail bar. These surfaces feature an innovative technology that reveals the veins running through the ceramic body, giving them a remarkably realistic appearance and a visually stunning effect. Architect Paolo Gianfrancesco from THG Arkitektar explains: “I believe we have reached a turning point with the introduction of 4D by Sapienstone. It’s a cutting-edge material with endless potential: the veins run through the entire ceramic surface, creating a striking resemblance to natural stone and marble while also being sustainable, a feature that is becoming increasingly important in today’s design industry.”
One of the most striking features of the Finnsson Bistrot, a very popular restaurant, is the large round table with a Calacatta Macchia Vecchia tabletop. This scenic and sophisticated element adds a touch of contemporary luxury to the private room, making it the perfect venue for exclusive events.
The renovation also included the movie theater on the third floor, where an amazing 14-meter long counter with a Seminato Candido covering was created. Elegant and durable, this material provides a sophisticated contrast to the bright colors of the lobby, adding a modern and stylish touch.
With its outstanding ceramic surfaces, SapienStone was able to meet the requirements of the project, enhancing the new look of the third floor of Kringlan Mall and helping to enhance the shopping center’s ambiance, making it more dynamic and welcoming, the perfect place to enjoy a quality experience in Reykjavik.
