The architecture was inspired by the city of Reykjavik and by the volcanic landscape of Iceland, with a facade composed of the island's characteristic basalt rock, used in varying shades to emphasise different functions. The buildings also harmonise with their surroundings in terms of scale, for example by emphasising the view of Iceland's principal church, Hallgrimskirkja, and the flat, open landscape of Vatnsmyri towards the south.

The main entrance, which refers to the main building of the original hospital, is a transparent construction providing access to an open thoroughfare sequence which links and guides towards the hospital's various departments.

A common laboratory building with teaching rooms and a library links the university with the treatment departments, out-patient departments and wards - a unique environment to the benefit of researchers, students, staff and patients.