Today we’d like to introduce you to Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdottir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Icelandic by birth and proud Angelenos by choice, Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, Assoc. AIA and IIDA, and her long-time partner, Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, Assoc. AIA established the award-winning Los Angeles-based design firm, Minarc in 1999. From small-scale renovations to new construction in residential, commercial, and public settings, the couple’s work spans a diverse range of design focuses. Throughout this diversity, each project shares an emphasis on the blurring of the distinction between interior and exterior spaces through the creative utilization of natural light, traditionally interior features thoughtfully situated outdoors, and artistically framed views of the natural landscape.
Appropriately complimenting Minarc’s portfolio, Erla and Tryggvi have brought to life an innovative building material in the form of mnmMOD. mnmMOD is an industry-groundbreaking SIP that provides enhanced customization possibilities for architects, efficient assembly and less waste for builders, and a host of comfort and environmental benefits for homeowners. mnmMOD panels are customized for specific building plans then delivered directly to construction sites from the manufacturing facility. During construction, considerably less labor is required than traditional wood framing, the assembly process produces almost zero waste, and Title 24 concerns evaporate as the mnmMOD system far exceeds required energy efficiency standards.
Built using mnmMOD materials, Erla and Tryggvi in 2018 designed and began producing a “tiny home” Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) system named Plús Hús–rhymes with couscous–and have also founded a construction company, ERLA Construction. The management of these businesses presents continuous challenges which Erla, Tryggvi, and the Minarc team tackle with pride, creativity, sophistication, and joy.
“As Icelandic natives who are custom home designers, our origins encourage us to envision spaces that are not only beautiful but sustainable, high-functioning, and flexible,” says Erla. “As LA residents, we are deeply concerned with our city’s housing crisis and, as well, the enormous waste associated with traditional construction processes.”
This sentiment was the impetus for Plús Hús. Designed so others can make a positive difference in their own backyard, the Plús Hús ADU was developed in response to California’s recent regulatory changes which allow homeowners to more easily incorporate accessory dwellings within their properties. Manufactured in Los Angeles and upholding the couple’s commitment to minimizing construction time and waste production, Plús Hús is a simple, efficient, multi-purposeable structure that lets anyone add an affordable and environmentally responsible space to their property.
Over the span of more than two decades, Erla and Tryggvi have gained considerable recognition for their holistic, environmentally aware design approach. This thoughtful ethos drives all facets of their work as can be seen in the noticeable absence of paint, tiles, and carpeting, the energy-conscious utilization of natural cross-ventilation in place of artificial forced-air systems, as well as the innovative usage of reclaimed wood, recycled glass, rubber tires, cement panels, and other sustainable materials, all of which are foundational hallmarks of Minarc designs.
In addition to being successful design professionals, Erla and Tryggvi enjoy exploring the world, entertaining friends and colleagues with good food, music, and hearty laughter, and spending quality time with their three wonderful children.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like life, nothing is ever smooth nor do we feel it should be. We embrace the experiences in which we can learn from and continue to evolve and grow as individuals and within our companies.
We’ve been impressed with Minarc, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Minarc is an award-winning design studio recognized internationally for its unique approach, one which embraces contemporary design and employs innovative materials and technologies while adhering to sustainable practices and design standards.
From the Unassuming
Principals Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson derive inspiration from the unassuming, almost austere beauty and otherworldly natural features of their native Iceland, the land of fire and ice. An appreciation for the absence of barriers and respect for open and integrated living spaces have become key elements of each project.
Creative Minimalism
Our work ranges from small-scale renovations to new construction in residential, commercial and public settings. Each project shares an emphasis on the blurring of the distinction between interior and exterior spaces through the exploitation of natural light, the creation of outdoor living rooms, and artistically framed views of nature.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Drawing on our unique background from Iceland, in which harsh climatic conditions and striking nature require daily navigation, we have always been passionate about sustainable practices and architecture that highlights what’s outside in our natural surroundings while promoting warmth and socializing inside. We use what we know, where we came from, and what we understand. Before starting a project, we also look at what every individual site gives us through methods such as wind studies and sun studies to truly understand the property prior to devising our plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.minarc.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/minarcdesign
- Facebook: facebook.com/minarc
Image Credits
Photo credit to Art Gray
