Architects: Konstantin Arkitekter
Area: 9 m²
Year: 2021
Photography: Julien Lanoo
Manufacturers: Dow Building Solutions, WonderGlass
Concept, Design, Development And Construction: Konstantin Ikonomidis
Site Manager: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aasivissuit – Nipisat: Paninnguaq Fleischer Lyberth
Adhesives Research: Faidra Oikonomopoulou and Telesilla Bristogianni, TU Delft Glass & Transparency group
City: Sarfannguit
Country: Greenland
The Qaammat Pavilion, designed and built by Swedish architect Konstantin Ikonomidis, was commissioned by the UNESCO Aasivissuit-Nipisat World Heritage site in West Greenland to serve as a contemporary monument for the newly designated heritage site. Located at the eastern tip of Sarfannguit, where two fjords converge, the pavilion reinterprets the traditional Greenlandic “inussuk”—through the medium of glass, transforming it into a striking and reflective symbol within the vast Arctic landscape.
“Glass as the main material allowed me to address several aspects at once. It could play with light and seasons, offering a dynamic visual impact, and create a connection with the surrounding environment. Glass, being both fragile and strong, mirrored the Arctic environment, with its extreme conditions yet subtle beauty. The play of light was central to the design—Qaammat means “moon” in Greenlandic, and I wanted the structure to reflect the changing Arctic light, much like how the moon reflects light, giving the pavilion a presence that evolves throughout the seasons.”
Interview with Konstantin Ikonomidis of Konstantin Arkitekter
At the heart of the design is glass, carefully chosen for its aesthetic qualities and unique ability to interact with the environment. Handcrafted by the Murano-based WonderGlass, each glass block is individually cast in metal molds to create textured surfaces that reflect and refract light. This enhances the pavilion’s dynamic relationship with its surroundings, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the landscape while maintaining a minimal yet powerful presence. The modular design of the inclined, semicircular glass walls ensures durability in harsh Arctic conditions while allowing flexibility for transporting the blocks to this remote location.
The pavilion’s extreme environment offered an opportunity for the architect to move beyond standard building practices, viewing each project as a chance to push the boundaries of innovation. Though delicate in appearance, the glass was engineered to withstand extreme Arctic conditions. With support from Dreyer’s Foundation, Konstantin Ikonomidis explored the possibilities of using glass in such a harsh climate. A collaboration with Delft University of Technology was specifically undertaken to test and identify a suitable adhesive for Arctic weather conditions. These experiments ensured that the glass blocks would maintain their structural integrity while preserving their lightness and transparency.
The construction process saw the architect closely involved, working alongside residents to assemble the pavilion. A two-person team, with Kloe Andersen of Sarfannguit assisting from the first to the final block, applied the adhesive and laid the glass blocks. Throughout the project, Ikonomidis collaborated closely with Paninnguaq Fleischer-Lyberth, the UNESCO Site Manager, ensuring the design remained deeply connected to the region’s cultural heritage. Glass researchers Faidra Oikonomopoulou and Telesilla Bristogianni contributed to finding suitable adhesives to bond the blocks. Once the pavilion was complete, the community participated in workshops to share knowledge and foster a sense of ownership, ensuring the pavilion would remain a cherished part of the landscape.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Sarfannguit, Greenland
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
stunningly beautiful