As a youth in Iceland Tryggvi Thorsteinsson he worked in construction, which shaped his view of his profession. “Everything had to be brought in so nothing went to waste, and that mentality stayed with me,” he says. “Architecture became an extension of that way of thinking: to be purposeful, to simplify, and to make things last.”
Thorsteinsson was also inspired by nature in his homeland, which is raw and powerful. His parents created a botanical garden in the Westfjords region, where he spent happy hours and learned to grow plants. As in many aspects of life, he realized that he could not 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 couple are known for their innovative approach to blending indoor and outdoor environments through unique exterior features, sunlight and framed views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether commercial development or residential, each structure reflects Thorsteinsson’s deep commitment to sustainability. He prefers recycled materials and eco-friendly options, similar to those that were fundamental to those early home jobs.
It is especially gratifying for Thorsteinsson when a project is completed 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 feels good, that’s the reward,” she notes.
Today, Tryggvi Thorsteinsson is with 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 of what really matters.
Photo: courtesy of Tryggvi Thorsteinsson
2. Skrúur Botanical Garden, Westfjords, Iceland
Skrúur, a botanical garden in the Westfjords of Iceland that my parents built, is where I learned patience. The idea is simple: you plant it and take care of it, and over time it grows and bears fruit.
Photo: courtesy of Minarc
3. The way water moves
Patterns created by nature are effective and honest. Water finds its way without excess or decoration. It’s a reminder to simplify and let logic shape the design.
Photo: courtesy of Minarc
4. Moss in lava fields
The contrast of soft and hard, living and ancient. Moss slowly claims the lava, showing how everything changes over time. This balance carries over into architecture—using strong, durable materials while leaving room for life to happen around them.
Photo: courtesy of Minarc
5. Natural Light
Light defines everything. The way it moves through space, changes during the day and creates atmosphere is endless inspiration. If the light works, the space works.
Works from Tryggvi Thorsteinsson’s Minarc with Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir:
Photo: Courtesy of Art Gray
ION Adventure Hotel
ION Adventure is a luxury hotel in Iceland that seamlessly blends architecture with its dramatic natural surroundings near Mount Hengill and Þingvellir National Park. Raised on pillar-like structures inspired by Iceland’s first 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 extensive glazing, natural light and outdoor living spaces to dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Sustainable, locally inspired materials such as driftwood, lava stone and reclaimed wood are incorporated 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 deeply rooted in Iceland’s landscape and mythology.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Gray
House Zen
The ‘Zen House’ in Manhattan Beach is a minimalist two-story house 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 friendly solutions from the start, using modified Kebony timber for cladding, decking and fencing to ensure longevity with a low environmental footprint. The house is built with prefabricated panels, a system that minimizes waste, increases accuracy and greatly improves energy efficiency. Advanced insulation materials keep interior temperatures stable, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. These features work alongside high efficiency equipment including heat pump radiant floor heating and energy saving appliances. Natural ventilation, abundant 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, 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 outdoors. The multi-level layout offers a seamless transition between private and public spaces, from guest suites and a family room that opens to the pool deck, to airy living areas and a master suite with panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. A standout feature is the sculptural wall of volcanic rock and sand – symbolizing “New Earth, New Life” – which reinforces Minarc’s philosophy of bringing nature inside. Built entirely with the company’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 well-being.
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 subtle light and color, offering a seamless visual experience from the moment you step through its impressive oversized wooden door into the expansive backyard. While the home feels open and transparent, it maintains complete privacy from the street, enhanced by a front yard that leads to a lower level apartment, theater and entertainment space. Inside, clean, open living spaces prioritize accessibility and comfort, with sculptural elements like a glass-ceilinged powder room adding an artistic dimension. Upstairs, serene bedrooms and a spa-like master bath continue the home’s calm, neutral palette. Outside, Minarc’s signature creativity shines through a dramatic facade staircase – evoking a ‘stairway to the stars’ – and a courtyard designed for both relaxation and entertaining, with a swimming pool and full gym.
Mildred
Artfully located in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Mildred Residence balances clean simplicity, sustainability and functional design. Inspired by dramatic natural landscapes, the home features striking contrasts, notably a sculptural glacier-like kitchen island in polished concrete and black marble. while maintaining a seamless flow between spaces. Large windows flood the interiors with natural light, blurring the lines between interior and exterior courtyards, while a multi-level layout seamlessly connects private and public spaces. Built using Minarc’s eco-friendly mnmMOD system, the residence prioritizes efficiency and environmental responsibility without compromising on aesthetics. Complete with subtle interiors by Erik Lindström, the home is a sophisticated, nature-inspired expression of modern, sustainable living.
