Architects Directory 2020: Sanden+Hodnekvam Architects, Norway
John Sanden and Ingvild Hodnekvam’s work perfectly represents that clean, nature-inspired, human-centric aesthetic that has come to characterise the best of Norway’s architecture – yet with a fresh, contemporary twist that gives it a competitive edge. The two architects jointly launched Sanden+Hodnekvam Arkitekter in 2014 and have since received commissions all over the country, including houses of all scales and sizes. Their material choices vary, spanning wood, brick and concrete, but it’s their latest house’s distinctive colour that gives it its name: Red Concrete House. The project, located in Lillehammer, is an intergenerational home – a typical family set up for the Nordic country. Here, three generations live under one roof in a minimalist house nestled into a slope.
The Red Concrete house, a starkly minimalist russet box, is bigger and bolder than its budget would suggest. It was designed by John Sanden and Ingvild Hodnekvam of Sanden+Hodnekvam Arkitekter for three generations of the same family. And there is reason behind its repeated rhythms. Set on a steep hill in Lillehammer in Norway, the house was essentially designed in a kit form, making for an affordable (partly) self-build.
The same arrangement of pre-fabricated concrete elements – with a 50mm outer layer made with an iron oxide pigment – are repeated over and over in the design. That system approach made the house relatively simple to assemble and – with material re-use in mind – disassemble.
MORE FROM WALLPAPER* ARCHITECTS DIRECTORY 2020
The interior is similarly rational and no-frills and was designed and installed by the clients. Knot-free pine panelling has been used on the floors and ceiling of the kitchen and living room while concrete slabs and screed have been used in the rest of the house.
‘Our projects often have a certain directness,' the pair says, ‘whether it is a strict plan or simple material palette, but we are very interested in trying to create spaces that don’t unfold all of its qualities right away.' And they insist that great architecture can be affordable. ‘Architectural quality does not depend on a big budget. It is challenging and interesting to create quality with limited resources. Housing quality should apply to everyone.'
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Phaidon’s new Graphic Classics is a lavish greatest hits of graphic design
Graphic Classics is a compendium of seven centuries of visual culture, from the everyday and ephemeral to visionary works that reshaped our world
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Birley Chocolate hits the sweet ’n’ chic spot in London’s Chelsea
The new Birley Chocolate shop, a sibling to Birley Bakery, is a confection of colour as delicious as its finely crafted goods
By Melina Keays Published
-
Feel at home at Auberge, Château La Coste's new inn for culture lovers
Auberge La Coste sits at the heart of the art-filled estate, minutes away from the joyful town of Aix-en-Provence
By Harriet Thorpe Published
-
Remembering Alexandros Tombazis (1939-2024), and the Metabolist architecture of this 1970s eco-pioneer
Back in September 2010 (W*138), we explored the legacy and history of Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, who this month celebrates his 80th birthday.
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Sun-drenched Los Angeles houses: modernism to minimalism
From modernist residences to riveting renovations and new-build contemporary homes, we tour some of the finest Los Angeles houses under the Californian sun
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Kunstsilo sees a functionalist grain silo transformed into Norway’s newest art gallery
Kunstsilo’s crisp modern design by Mestres Wåge with Spanish firms Mendoza Partida and BAX Studio transforms a listed functionalist grain silo into a sleek art gallery
By Clare Dowdy Published
-
Aarestua Cabin brings old Norwegian traditions into the 21st century
Aarestua Cabin by Gartnerfuglen is a modern retreat with links to historical Norwegian traditions, and respect for its environment
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Pioneering tablet maker reMarkable’s Oslo headquarters is a space for ‘better thinking’
reMarkable’s Oslo head office, featuring areas to retreat, ruminate and collaborate, is a true workspace of the future
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
This Norway cabin was designed as a minimalist, coastal escape
This Norway cabin by Erling Berg is made of local timber that frames its scenic Risør views through large openings and outdoor areas, creating a cool summer escape
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
This Oslo house is a suburban cabin in the woods
An Oslo house designed like a retreat, Villa Nikkesmelle by Gartnerfuglen, offers the perfect balance between urban and rural
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Restored former US embassy in Oslo brings Eero Saarinen’s vision into the 21st century
The former US embassy in Oslo by Finnish American modernist Eero Saarinen has been restored to its 20th-century glory and transformed for contemporary mixed use
By Giovanna Dunmall Published