Reykjalundur may demolish parts of mold-damaged buildings

About 20% of the buildings at Reykjalundur, a rehabilitation centre, remain closed because of maintenance problems, and some sections affected by mould may have to be demolished, its director told mbl.is.

Svana Helen Björnsdóttir said no decision has been made on what to do with all the closed parts of the complex. “Some of it will simply have to be demolished. I expect we will demolish some of what is beyond repair,” she said.

In some places, mould has spread from the soil into the foundations and base slab. Drainage was not installed around every part of the building when it was constructed, Svana said, so it may not be possible to repair all the mould-affected areas.

Reykjalundur’s maintenance needs were estimated at about two billion krónur several years ago. No new overall assessment has been made, but Svana said the need had not diminished and had probably grown.

The next major project is the physiotherapy corridor, where work is expected to cost about 300 million krónur. The fundraising campaign Endurhæfum Reykjalund had raised 122 million krónur when mbl.is spoke with Svana last week, with further donations still arriving. The SÍBS organisation will cover the shortfall, she said.

Mould has not been found in the physiotherapy corridor, but Svana said its air quality was poor. The space is to be reorganised to better serve staff and patients, with work planned during Reykjalundur’s Christmas closure.

Repairs have also been under way elsewhere. Extensive work on the centre’s swimming pools began this summer after leaks caused water to pour into the pool basement. The repairs proved more extensive and costly than expected and will continue in December.

Work is also being done on a three-storey facade where mould has been found. Part of the building, which includes staff workspaces, patient lounges and consultation rooms, has been closed for about three years. Most of the work is expected to be completed in November.

No commitment has been made to provide specific funding for the upkeep of Reykjalundur’s buildings. The centre is, however, in talks with Icelandic Health Insurance about a new service agreement. Its current agreement has expired.