Thunder Top Cabin is a unique extension designed by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter for an existing family log cabin in the Hardangervidda mountain plateau of Norway, approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. Located in a barren moorland landscape of weather-beaten dwarf birches and heathers, the project was created for a multigenerational family to better accommodate holiday gatherings. Rather than mimicking the traditional log cabin, the architects opted for a contemporary timber-clad structure featuring a dramatic, stepped roof. This design is both a visual contrast to the older building and a clever functional element. The 17-meter-long extension is connected to the original cabin by a glass hallway that houses a wardrobe and a utility sink. This transparent corridor provides a seamless transition and fills the connecting space with natural light. The exterior of the extension is clad with untreated ore-pine, a durable material traditionally used for medieval stave churches in Scandinavia. The colorful window and door frames offer a playful touch and are inspired by the marks used on Norwegian hiking trails. The distinctive triangular shape of the cabin serves a functional purpose by creating turbulence, which prevents snow from piling up on the south-facing terrace. The stepped roof, which has 30 steps from top to bottom, is one of the cabin's most celebrated features. During the summer, it functions as a viewing platform, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding moorlands and a nearby lake. In winter, when covered in a thick layer of snow, the roof becomes a natural ski and sledding ramp, a playful nod to the legendary Norwegian skier Sondre Norheim. Inside, the cabin features a single, minimalist, double-height space lined with wood. This open-plan interior is meant to be a versatile and simple "landscape" for the family to use for various activities, from relaxing to working. The interior's minimalism is intentional, encouraging spontaneous living that will add character to the space over time. Nooks around the edges serve as cozy reading corners, while a ladder leads to a ceiling-height mezzanine. The cabin effectively functions as an "inhabitable beacon," a modern peak that allows its inhabitants to engage with the stunning Hardangervidda landscape. Credits Architecture: Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter Designers: Astrid Rohde Wang, Ole Larsen and Olav Lunde Arneberg Construction: Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter Photography: Ivar Kvaal