As a young man in Iceland Tryggvi Thorsteinsson worked in construction, which shaped his view of his eventual profession. “Everything had to be imported so nothing was wasted, and that mindset stayed with me,” he says. “Architecture became an extension of that way of thinking; being intentional, simplifying, and making things that last.”
Thorsteinsson was also inspired by nature in his native country, which is raw and powerful. His parents created a botanical garden in the Westfjords region, where he happily spent hours and learned to cultivate plants. Just as with many aspects of life he realized he couldn’t rush the process, and that growth happens at the right time.
He eventually settled a world away in Southern California, where he co-founded Minarc with his partner and wife, Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir. The pair is known for their innovative approach to blending interior and exterior environments via unique outdoor features, sunlight, and framed views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether a commercial development or a residence, each structure reflects Thorsteinsson’s deep commitment to sustainability. He favors reclaimed materials and eco-conscious options, similar to those that were fundamental on those early jobs back home.
It is particularly gratifying for Thorsteinsson when a project is complete and a client becomes a friend. “When they move in and start using the space, when the details hold up over time, and the house just feels right, that’s the reward,” he notes.
Today, Tryggvi Thorsteinsson joins us for Friday Five!
Photo: courtesy of Tryggvi Thorsteinsson
1. My Family
Family is the biggest part of everything. They keep me grounded and remind me what actually matters.
Photo: courtesy of Tryggvi Thorsteinsson
2. Skrúur Botanical Garden, Westfjords, Iceland
Skrúur, a botanical garden in the Westfjords of Iceland built by my parents, is where I learned patience. The idea is simple: you plant and care for it, and over time it grows and gives back.
Photo: courtesy of Minarc
3. The Way Water Moves
Patterns created by nature are efficient and honest. Water finds its path without excess or decoration. It’s a reminder to simplify and let logic shape design.
Photo: courtesy of Minarc
4. Moss on Lava Fields
The contrast of soft and hard, alive and ancient. Moss slowly claims the lava, showing how everything changes over time. This balance carries into architecture—using strong, lasting materials while leaving space for life to happen around them.
Photo: courtesy of Minarc
5. Natural Light
Light defines everything. The way it moves through space, changes throughout the day, and creates atmosphere is endless inspiration. If the light works, the space works.
Works from Minarc by Tryggvi Thorsteinsson with Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir:
Photo: Courtesy of Art Gray
ION Adventure Hotel
ION Adventure is a luxury hotel in Iceland that blends architecture seamlessly into its dramatic natural surroundings near Mt. Hengill and Þingvellir National Park. Elevated on pillar-like structures inspired by Iceland’s earliest settlers, the design appears to float above the geothermal landscape, with a black, lava-like exterior that echoes the region’s volcanic geology. The hotel emphasizes openness and immersion, using expansive glazing, natural light, and outdoor living spaces to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. Sustainable, locally inspired materials such as driftwood, lava stone, and reclaimed wood are integrated throughout, alongside a prefabricated building system that prioritizes environmental performance. With panoramic views of glaciers, hot springs, and the Northern Lights, Ion creates a quiet, elemental retreat rooted deeply in Iceland’s landscape and mythology.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Gray
Zen House
The “Zen House” in Manhattan Beach is a minimalist two-story home and ADU for a family of four. While the courtyard, koi pond, and olive trees provide a serene, travel-inspired welcome, the project’s defining strength lies in its sustainability. Minarc prioritized environmentally conscious solutions from the ground up, using Kebony modified lumber for cladding, decking, and fencing to ensure longevity with a low environmental footprint. The home is built with prefabricated panels, a system that minimizes waste, increases precision, and significantly improves energy efficiency. Advanced insulation materials maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. These features work in tandem with high-efficiency equipment, including heat-pump-powered radiant floor heating and energy-saving appliances. Natural ventilation, ample daylight, and seamless indoor–outdoor connections further reduce energy use, creating a calm, modern, and environmentally responsible home that supports the family’s active lifestyle.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Gray
AlpIce
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the AlpIce Home (Alpine & Iceland) is a nature-inspired residence that balances simplicity, sustainability, and functionality. Designed to evoke dramatic natural landscapes, the home features subtly contrasting interiors, expansive glass walls, and abundant natural light that blurs the line between indoors and out. A multi-level layout offers seamless transitions between private and communal spaces, from guest suites and a family room that opens to the pool deck, to airy living areas and a primary suite with panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. A standout feature is the sculptural accent wall of volcanic rock and sand—symbolizing “New Earth, New Life”—which reinforces Minarc’s philosophy of bringing nature inside. Built entirely with the firm’s eco-friendly mnmMOD system, the home prioritizes energy efficiency, durability, and healthy living, while advanced low-voltage lighting enhances ambiance, reduces environmental impact, and supports overall wellbeing.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Gray
Stairway to the Stars
Located in sunny Los Angeles, the Stairway to the Stars project is inspired by the area’s distinctive light and color, offering a seamless visual experience from the moment you enter through its striking oversized wood door to the expansive backyard beyond. While the home feels open and transparent, it maintains complete privacy from the street, enhanced by a front courtyard that leads to a lower-level guest apartment, theater, and entertainment space. Inside, clean, open living areas prioritize accessibility and comfort, with sculptural elements like a glass-ceilinged powder room adding artistic dimension. Upstairs, serene bedrooms and a spa-like primary bath continue the home’s calm, neutral palette. Outside, Minarc’s signature creativity shines through a dramatic façade staircase – evoking a “stairway to the stars” – and a backyard designed for both relaxation and entertaining, complete with a pool and full gym.
Mildred
Artfully situated in Los Angeles’ Venice neighborhood, the Mildred Residence balances clean simplicity, sustainability, and functional design. Inspired by dramatic natural landscapes, the home features striking contrasts, most notably a sculptural, glacier-like kitchen island set against polished concrete and black marble. while maintaining a seamless flow between spaces. Expansive windows flood the interiors with natural light, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoor courtyards, while a multi-level layout connects private and communal areas with ease. Built using Minarc’s eco-friendly mnmMOD system, the residence prioritizes efficiency and environmental responsibility without compromising aesthetics. Completed with understated interiors by Erik Lindström, the home is a refined, nature-inspired expression of modern, sustainable living.
