The eye-catching Radisson RED will soon launch in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. (Photo: Radisson Hotel Group)

Architect Tony Kettle says hotel’s design is inspired by Iceland’s natural beauty.

The new Radisson RED Reykjavik has been revealed and shows a brand-new concept which draws on the unique and singular beauty of Iceland.

This inaugural Radisson Red property in Iceland is due to open in 2021.

We find out more about this eye-catching design.

Radisson RED to land in Reykjavik

Radisson RED’s first property in Iceland, the Radisson RED Reykjavik, is set to open its doors to the public in the Icelandic capital in 2021. The group released renders of the hotel, which have caused quite a flurry online because of the arresting concept design.

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior Vice President of Radisson Hotel Group in Northern Europe, spoke of the brand’s first foray into this Nordic territory, saying, “Radisson RED is Radisson Hotel Group’s upscale, select service hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. Radisson RED hotels inject new life into hospitality through informal services, a social scene that’s waiting to be shared and bold design that kick-starts the fun.”

“It is the perfect match for Reykjavik and the entire Radisson Hotel Group team and owners are thrilled to introduce this landmark Reykjavik,” Mr Karttunen concluded.

New city hub with unforgettable design

Visitors staying in the new Radisson RED Reykjavik will be left in no doubt as to which hotel is theirs, given the striking appearance of the new-build, 203-key property.

Designed by architect Tony Kettle, the hotel is in the heart of Iceland’s capital and will rise 17 storeys into the air, towering over the city’s oceanfront.

From the inside out and the outside in, the new Radisson RED Reykjavik draws on Iceland’s natural landscape and indigenous geography – whether it’s the panoramic views afforded to guests from each of the guest rooms, or the colour palette chosen for the external brickwork, which reflects Iceland’s particular geology.

“The idea for this new landmark hotel is to create a special building which will reinforce the sense of the city of Reykjavik and the landscape of Iceland to create a new and exciting destination for the city,” commented the architect.

“It is inspired by the history of the architecture and geology of the land, with its colourful buildings painted red, black and white and dramatic natural phenomena of basalt columns and red and black lava flows,” Kettle went on to say.

Transforming Reykjavik with a new landmark on the skyline

The Radisson RED Reykjavik will become a new feature of the city’s skyline, and in this way will leave Radisson RED’s mark on the city.

It also forms a part of the regeneration strategy of this area, which will involve the redesign of Vitastigur and the square in front of the Skúlagata building to create a sustainable urban quarter which will benefit both locals and tourists.

The new hotel will encourage interaction between locals and visitors, in particular in the new two-storey rooftop bar, in which guests will be able to mingle with people living in Reykjavik while taking in the impressive panoramas of the cityscape, cocktail in hand.

A viewing terrace is also accessible by a glass lift, making sure the focus is squarely on Iceland’s natural beauty.

(Photos: Radisson Hotel Group)