Whale Leaps research and education center, zero-carbon Iceland building development architecture images
Whale Leaps Research and Education Center in Kársnes
9 April 2026
Architects: Yufeng Tu, with design collaboration from Jiayu Zhu and Peixuan Wu
Location: Kársnes, Kópavogur, Iceland
Images: Yufeng Tu, Jiayu Zhu and Peixuan Wu
Whale Leaps Research and Education Center, Iceland
Whale Leaps is a research and education center proposed for the Kársnes Peninsula in Kópavogur, Iceland. Led by Yufeng Tu, with design collaboration from Jiayu Zhu and Peixuan Wu, the project reimagines geothermal infrastructure as a public architectural landscape for research, learning, and environmental engagement. Inspired by the image of a breaching whale, the proposal brings together laboratories, exhibition spaces, and landscape-based learning within a unified spatial and ecological framework
Geothermal Nexus, an internationally recognized award-winning proposal, is nestled within the evolving urban fabric of Kársnes, a dynamic peninsula in Kópavogur, Iceland. Recipient of First Prize in the Design Unlimited Award, a French Design Award, and Silver in the International Design Awards (IDA), the project emerges as a living testament to the synergy between nature, technology, and human ingenuity.
Shaped by the forces of wind, water, and geothermal energy, the design draws inspiration from a breaching whale, symbolizing both the untamed power of Iceland’s landscapes and the fluid integration of architecture and ecology. This immersive research and education center harnesses the peninsula’s geothermal potential to cultivate a space where sustainability and scientific discovery converge, echoing Kársnes’ role as a bridge between modern innovation and Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty.
At the heart of the project is a commitment to self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. Powered entirely by geothermal energy, wind, and solar systems, the facility operates with a zero-carbon footprint, with underground MEP conversion tanks efficiently distributing energy throughout the site. Steam vents subtly release excess energy, creating a landscape that breathes with the rhythms of the earth. The roofscape is both a protective and productive surface, integrating geothermal pipelines that sustain vegetation while melting snow, allowing the architecture to seamlessly adapt to the Arctic climate. Locally sourced wood construction minimizes embodied carbon, reinforcing a deep connection to Iceland’s material heritage while maintaining a forward-thinking contemporary aesthetic.
The spatial organization fosters an open yet structured dialogue between researchers, educators, and the public. The main entrance welcomes visitors into an engaging journey of geothermal innovation, leading them through exhibition spaces that reveal the transformative power of Iceland’s energy landscapes. The auditorium and learning spaces invite curiosity, while the coastal café offers panoramic views of the steaming geothermal shoals, the Atlantic horizon, and distant mountains. From here, visitors glimpse the vibrant activity within the research wing, where scientists work in laboratories and workshop spaces dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions. The carefully choreographed circulation ensures a balance between transparency and security, allowing for interaction without disrupting the critical research conducted within.
The landscape itself becomes a vital extension of this narrative, designed as a series of experiential layers that showcase Iceland’s rich geothermal and ecological systems. The Geothermal Shoal Garden immerses visitors in an active geothermal field, while the Geothermal Harvest Garden and Greenhouse demonstrate the potential of geothermal-powered agriculture in northern climates. The Scientist Research Grounds serve as a controlled environment for energy and ecological experimentation, supporting ongoing advancements in climate resilience.
Above, the Wind Energy Roof Terrace transforms the facility’s uppermost plane into a dynamic learning space, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, energy, and the surrounding forces of nature. The Vista Nook and Waterfront Boardwalk provide moments of reflection along the peninsula’s soft edges, where land and sea intertwine. The Farm-to-Table Restaurant offers a culinary experience rooted in local, geothermal-grown ingredients, while the Sprout Lawn invites both researchers and visitors to engage with a biodiverse, resilient landscape.
In harmony with Kársnes’ identity as a hub of cultural and environmental innovation, Geothermal Nexus is more than a building—it is a living model of sustainable co-existence. It stands as a testament to Iceland’s pioneering role in renewable energy, inviting visitors and scientists alike to explore the possibilities of a world powered by the natural forces beneath our feet.
The project has received international recognition, including First Prize in the Design Unlimited Award, a French Design Award, and Silver in the International Design Awards (IDA).
Whale Leaps Research and Education Center in Kársnes, Iceland – Building Information
Project Title: Whale Leaps
Lead Architect: Yufeng Tu
Programs: Research laboratories, workshops, exhibition spaces, auditorium, learning spaces, collaborative workspaces, greenhouse, geothermal gardens
Site area: Kársnes peninsular waterfront
Gross Floor area: 13650 sqm
Location: Kársnes, Iceland
Status: Concept Stage
Project start date: 2025
Project completion date: 2025
Collaborators: Jiayu Zhu, Peixuan Wu
Renders: Yufeng Tu, Jiayu Zhu and Peixuan Wu
Whale Leaps Research and Education Center, Kársnes, Iceland images / information received 090426
Location: Kársnes, Iceland, north Western Europe.
Architecture in Iceland
Contemporary Architecture in Iceland
Iceland Architecture Designs – chronological list
Vatnajökull National Park Visitor Center, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Architects: Arkís arkitektar
photo : Karl Vilhjálmsson
Iceland Volcano Museum, Mývatn, North Iceland
Design: Studio RE+N
rendering : Studio RE+N
Iceland Volcano Museum, Mývatn, North Iceland
Design: Studio RE+N
Aldin Biodomes in Reykjavik
Design: WilkinsonEyre
Comments / photos for the Whale Leaps Research and Education Center, Kársnes, Iceland design by Yufeng Tu, with design collaboration from Jiayu Zhu and Peixuan Wu page welcome.