Atelier Oslo provides shelter at all angles with Cabin at Norderhov
A new cabin by Atelier Oslo within Norway's Krokskogen forest formed the striking backdrop to our 'Norse Power' shoot in the December issue. Four angular 'arms' spring out of a main core, anchoring this home to a steep slope over Lake Steinsfjorden. Cabin at Norderhov provides both refuge from and connection to its woodland surroundings.
A couple based in Oslo commissioned the project, with a view to using it as a weekend base for cross-country skiing and hiking. The structure was designed in response to their relationship with nature. Its prefabricated system of laminated wood reflects the surrounding trees and is supported by steel rods drilled directly into the rock. Aside from dividing the internal space into discrete zones, the arms also accommodate covered terraces outside.
Take an interactive tour of Cabin at Norderhov
Inside the cottage is centred on its fireplace, the only electricity coming from two solar panels that power the reading lamps. While the fire burns at ground level, the smoke is caught by a mantel that hangs from the curved ceiling. This provides the feeling of a 'campfire in the landscape', according to Atelier Oslo co-director Nils Ole Brandtzæg. Visible from all points in the house, it signifies refuge from the harsh Norwegian winds.
The interior is clad in pale 4mm birch plywood. It forms the curved surfaces that step down the fall of the terrain, softening spatial transitions and expanding to become both wall and ceiling. The changes in level cleverly create folds that become places to sit and contemplate. Natural light and views from the expansive glazing flood the rooms, while smart detailing ensures the frame is concealed.
At Norderhov, the architects harnessed the environment to create a sanctuary with the same sensitivity that seeps into all their works. The young firm was established in 2006 but has been going from strength to strength. Its winning submission for the Deichman Library in Oslo, in collaboration with Lund Hagem Architects, is one of its larger, most anticipated projects, currently due for completion in 2016.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
This year's best luxury Christmas hampers for festive celebrations
The best Christmas hampers are a classic gift for a reason: everyone loves receiving a basket of beautifully curated pantry fillers just in time for the festivities. Here are our top picks for 2024
By Rosie Conroy Published
-
17 questions for Michael Kiwanuka
As he prepares to release his fourth album 'Small Changes', we ask Michael Kiwanuka some of life's important questions
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Inside ‘M&OTHERS’, the experimental exhibition dissecting the relationship between fashion and motherhood
A new exhibition at Modemuseum Hasselt, Belgium explores the rarely examined link between fashion and motherhood, in all its forms
By Dal Chodha Published
-
Into the woods: a Hampshire home by Alma-nac is the perfect retreat
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Noiascape’s refined co-living digs for generation rent in London
By Harriet Thorpe Last updated
-
Hot stuff: a Chilean house draws on its volcanic landscape
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
A Hampstead home by Groves Natcheva brings art deco into the 21st century
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
A San Francisco live/work space plays with opacity and transparency
By Sarah Amelar Last updated
-
Victorian minimalist: inside Gable House’s pared-back Scandi interior
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Studio Saxe’s twin villas in Costa Rica make for the perfect tropical retreat
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Disco fever: a dynamic duo reinvents a London townhouse
By Christopher Stocks Published