Reykjavík requires consultation on Bankastræti building plans

Proposed changes to the House of the Painter at Bankastræti 7a must go through a neighbour consultation, Reykjavík’s planning officer has ruled, mbl.is reported.

The plan is to demolish the building’s third floor and rebuild it with higher ceilings, raising the house by 1.2 metres. Iceland’s Heritage Agency has no objections to the changes but recommends that all windows on the new floor be custom-made wooden windows matching those on the second floor. The planning officer supports that recommendation.

The proposed changes would also alter the layout of all floors. The ground floor would have a shop and ticket sales, including cosmetics and clothing. A café is planned for the second floor, with its kitchen in the basement, while the third floor would contain offices. Morgunblaðið reported earlier this year that Sky Lagoon had secured space on the ground floor.

Because there is no detailed local plan for the block, the building-permit work must be presented to the owners of neighbouring properties at Bankastræti 7 and Ingólfsstræti 2a. The consultation documents must address how the building will relate to those properties and whether the additional height could affect sunlight and shadows in their outdoor areas.