Inside the Perlan Museum in Reykjavík, Atelier Tobia Zambotti designed Perlan Ice Cream around a single defining architectural element: a sculptural ceiling inspired by the caves and changing reflections found within Icelandic glaciers.
Made from acoustic foam, the ceiling develops as a sequence of geometric forms extending across the interior. Its white and blue surfaces establish the visual identity of the space while directing attention towards the ice cream display.
An abstract ice cave shapes the interior
The concept translates the imagery of a glacier cave into an abstract architectural language rather than reproducing natural forms literally.
The ceiling becomes the main spatial device, creating an enveloping surface whose geometry changes according to the visitor’s viewpoint. The repetition of its modules generates a strong sense of depth and gives the interior a distinctive visual character.
This overhead landscape also establishes the design principles followed by the other architectural and functional elements.
Acoustic foam creates geometric stalactites
The ceiling is composed of repetitive pyramidal modules in acoustic foam that descend into the space like geometric stalactites.
Beyond defining the interior visually, the material performs an acoustic function: the foam prisms help attenuate noise generated by the refrigeration equipment.
The geometry continues into the full arch and the door, which follow the profile established by the ceiling and reinforce the continuity of the design.
A white and blue palette evokes Icelandic glaciers
White and blue dominate the interior, referencing the colours and changing reflections associated with glacial environments.
Against this restrained palette, the colours of the ice cream become a contrasting element within the composition.
A stainless-steel back counter introduces a reflective surface, interacting with LED lighting set at a cool 4500 K and extending the visual language of ice and reflected light.
Counter, lighting and technical elements follow the same geometry
The white Corian counter is conceived as another component of the abstract glacier landscape. Its clean geometry integrates the functional requirements of the ice cream parlour while maintaining the visual continuity of the interior.
The cashier station and other technical elements are concealed within the counter, reducing visual clutter and keeping attention focused on the architecture and product display.
Through the combination of acoustic material, lighting, reflective surfaces and custom architectural elements, Perlan Ice Cream establishes a direct relationship with the Icelandic landscape interpreted by the museum, translating the imagery of glaciers into a contemporary retail interior.
Project: Perlan Ice Cream
Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
Design: Atelier Tobia Zambotti
Photo credit: Patrik Ontkovic
Atelier Tobia Zambotti is a multidisciplinary design studio founded in Reykjavík by Italian architect and designer Tobia Zambotti. The practice works across interior and spatial design, developing projects through material experimentation and distinctive architectural concepts.
by AN Shopfitting Magazine no.161 ©