The Selestranda House is a residential renovation and extension project located in Time, Norway, near the scenic southwest coast. Completed in 2016 by bark arkitekter, the project breathed new life into a 50-year-old cottage, originally designed in 1961 by architect Atle Sørby. The renovation successfully balanced the building's historical integrity with the functional demands of modern living. The house sits on a relatively flat plot surrounded by the distinctive landscape of the region, featuring long sloping fields, beaches, and dunes separated by old drystone walls. Its proximity to the shoreline places it within a landscape-preservation area, which meant the architects worked closely with local authorities during the building process. The architectural approach involved respecting the original design while modernizing the interior and expanding the living space. The cottage's original pitched roof with pulled-down gables, a reinterpretation of the traditional "Jærhus" typology, was preserved. This design is crucial for withstanding the harsh local weather conditions. To maintain this connection to the past, local craftsmen carefully removed, stored, and re-laid the original roof tiles, which were sourced from local brick factories. The renovation involved a strategic reorganization of the interior space. The walls and ceiling of the main volume were opened up to create a single large, open-plan common area. This space now accommodates the living, dining, and kitchen functions, creating a bright and expansive atmosphere. A new 88 m² annex was constructed to house private functions. This addition includes a bedroom, a bathroom, and a storage room, allowing for a clearer separation of public and private zones within the home. Large glass windows were installed to maximize natural light and offer the homeowners uninterrupted views of the surrounding coastal scenery. The interior features a minimalist, no-frills aesthetic, with a neutral color palette and light timber finishes creating a calm and functional living space. The architects focused on simple, high-quality materials to complement the building's modest scale. Project credits Architects: bark arkitekter Architect in Charge: Katrine Grimnes Original Architect: Atle Sørby (1961) Location: Time, Norway Project Year: 2016 Photographs: Lise Bjelland Manufacturers: Minera, E.W. Andersen, Hamran Kjøkken, Riska Sagbruk, Vikeså Trevare

Designed by Trondheim-based Bergersen Arkitekter AS and completed in 2017, Viewpoint Granasjøen is a small, multi-functional cabin situated in the scenic Trollheimen mountain region of Norway. Overlooking the Granasjøen lake, the structure serves as a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Norwegian gapahuk, or lean-to. It was designed in close collaboration with the client to serve a range of purposes, including a shelter, summer house, bath house, or grill shed. The cabin's design is heavily influenced by its surrounding landscape. The angled walls and roof help the small building blend seamlessly into the rugged, mountainous environment. A traditional turf roof provides insulation and further integrates the structure with the landscape by mimicking the natural greenery. The exterior is clad in dark brown stained wood, which was chosen to complement the existing main cabin on the property. Inside, the cabin is designed for both relaxation and appreciation of the outdoors. Large, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on the front facade can be opened up, blurring the line between inside and out and offering expansive views of the lake and mountains. A built-in wood bench wraps around two sides of the room, providing ample seating that faces the view. A small, built-in fireplace adds warmth and a cozy focal point. The interior features simple wood finishes and stone flooring that continues out onto the terrace. Project credits Architects: Bergersen Arkitekter AS Photography: Kjetil Nordø Location: Trollheimen, Norway Project Year: 2017 Manufacturers: Bergene Holm AS (interior wood panels), Otretek AS (furniture carpenter), Profil Fasade AS and Windoor AS (glass panels and doors)

The Black Aurora Nook is a contemporary holiday cabin situated in the remote and rugged landscape of the Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway. Designed by Austrian architect Elisabeth Dirnbacher of Atelier Dirnbacher and completed in 2022, the 65 m² retreat offers a striking contrast of robust exteriors against a cozy and warm interior. Nestled between the vast Austnesfjord and the imposing Higravstinden, the cabin is a destination for families, couples, and nature lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the dramatic arctic scenery. The architecture is defined by a simple, cubature form that plays with the dimensions of the surrounding environment. Architect Elisabeth Dirnbacher was inspired by a summer trip to the region and aimed to create a unique holiday house that would complement the astonishing beauty of the islands. The black-stained, timber-framed cabin is designed to blend into the dark, mountainous landscape, while its interior opens up to provide a luxurious and immersive experience of nature. The interior of the Black Aurora Nook is a showcase of handcrafted woodwork and clever spatial design. The cabin is divided into two rectangular areas, but features varied ceiling heights ranging from two to five and a half meters, creating an exciting spatial experience. The main living space includes an open kitchen and a cozy sitting area with a wood-burning stove. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows provide a widescreen view of the fjord, the open sea, and the mountain. A staircase from the master bedroom leads to a gallery with a window bench, perfect for observing the northern lights or sea eagles. A second sleeping gallery for children is accessible by a ladder. Untreated wood, handcrafted by a local carpenter, is used throughout the cabin for wall paneling, built-in furniture, and a three-meter-high sliding door that can separate the dining room and master bedroom. The cabin was designed as a high-performance timber-framed construction with sustainability in mind. Comfort in the cold: Despite the harsh northern climate, the cabin is kept comfortable with a wood-burning stove and underfloor heating in the sleeping areas. The minimalist design, coupled with the natural weathering of the timber, helps the cabin settle naturally into its remote surroundings. Project credits Architect: Atelier Dirnbacher (Elisabeth Dirnbacher) Photography: Paul Sebesta Location: Lofoten, Norway Completion Year: 2022

The Cabin Laksvatn is a 50 m² retreat located on the Lyngen Peninsula near Tromsø in northern Norway, in a region known for its dramatic alpine landscape. Designed by Oslo-based Hamran/Johansen Arkitekter and completed in 2014, the cabin provides a comfortable and spacious accommodation for a large family with a total of nine beds, despite its modest footprint. The design was a creative response to the challenge of accommodating many people on a tight budget. The architects cleverly limited the net floor area to 50 m² to comply with Norwegian building codes, which impose additional technical demands on larger cabins. The solution involved utilizing the space beneath the pitched roof, where the low ceiling height does not legally count as floor area. This loft space was ideally suited for sleeping quarters. The cabin presents a contemporary take on a traditional form, with its classic pitched roof complemented by the use of extra-wide wooden cladding and large windows. The exterior cladding is made from glulam panels treated with natural pine tar, which will weather over time to blend with the natural surroundings. The interior is functional and minimalist, featuring exposed timber framing and knot-free pine paneling. The ground floor is constructed from in-situ cast concrete, which follows the natural terrain and defines the transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The loft space, measuring just 14 m², cleverly accommodates three single beds and two double beds. An additional double bed is located in a bedroom on the ground floor. To maximize light and create an immersive experience, the windows reach to the ceiling on the upper section, while their height variations at the bottom are strategically aligned with specific functions and views. A large window band offers panoramic mountain views in nearly every direction. A minimalist, cantilevered staircase with thin steel plates provides access to the loft, and an open steel grating on the upper level filters light from a skylight, emphasizing the cabin's verticality. The design draws on the features of a previous, dilapidated family cabin from 1942 that was on the same site, reinterpreting elements like its corner windows and exterior cladding. Project credits Architects: Hamran/Johansen Arkitekter (Lars Hamran and André Severin Johansen) Client: Hamran/Johansen Arkitekter AS Project Year: 2014 Location: Laksvatn, Tromsø, Norway Photographers: Ivan Brodey, André Severin Johansen Consultants: eStatikk AS

Completed in 2015, the Summer House Gravråk project is a renovation and extension of a traditional "Nordlandshus" on a remote coastal site near Andopen, in the Flakstad municipality of Norway's Lofoten archipelago. Designed by Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk with his team, the 25-square-meter project successfully blends the rehabilitation of the old timber structure with a new, contemporary addition. The design is a sensitive and sophisticated response to the site's stunning yet demanding coastal climate, characterized by spectacular mountains and harsh winds. The original concept involved encasing the weathered timber core within a new protective shell, allowing the old house to stand freely inside. While this initial plan was modified, the final result still features a distinct and respectful relationship between the old and new elements. The built project focuses on the renovation of the existing house and the construction of a westward extension. The addition acts as a "pure extension," echoing the geometrical principles of the original structure, notably its asymmetrical dormer windows, which allow light into the loft and frame views of the landscape. To withstand the extreme wind conditions of the area, the structures are anchored using different methods. The pre-existing Nordlandshus is secured to the ground with guy wires, while the new prefabricated pine glulam extension is wind-anchored to an encompassing concrete slab, which provides a stabilizing counterweight. This structural duality highlights the architects' adaptive and thoughtful approach to construction in a challenging environment. The material palette chosen for the Summer House Gravråk is both humble and resilient, allowing the building to integrate with its natural surroundings. The addition is clad in untreated spruce, a material selected to develop a natural, gray patina over time as it is exposed to sun and rain. The roof is covered with standing seam zinc roofing, offering durability against the elements. The interior features birch plywood cladding and pine flooring, providing a warm and modern finish. The windows are a two-fold design, with aluminum frames on the exterior for protection and wood on the interior to match the warm timber finishes. An artwork titled "this must be the place" by Swedish artist Jan Håfstrøm is integrated into the design, adding a unique and personal touch. Project credits The project was executed by Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk's architectural team. Architectural team: Architect in charge: Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk Architects: Anette Bringsverd, Elisabeth Øymo, Halvard Amble, Hilde Rostadmo Client: The project was built for a young family. Windows: Velfac Roofing material: VMZINC Stove/fireplace: Brunner Artwork: Jan Håfstrøm

Constructed in 2023, the Fritidsbolig, Slevik is a vacation home situated along a quiet residential street in the coastal village of Slevik, Norway. The project involved replacing a smaller, traditional 1950s cabin with a more functional, modern holiday home. Architect Eirik Rønning Andersen of ZIS AS designed the new cabin, drawing inspiration from the area's older architectural traditions. The design uses traditional building methods, featuring white-painted batten cladding and a roof pitch similar to historical buildings in the region. The roof eaves are minimal, giving the structure a clean, contemporary appearance. A key feature of the house is the strategic placement of windows to create visual connections, maximize views, and allow natural light to fill the interiors. This intentional use of light makes the interior feel expansive and spacious. Inside, the home is characterized by light-colored wood, creating a warm, airy atmosphere. In contrast, the kitchen features dark, lacquered benches and cabinets. The interior space is divided into different levels by a series of steps, with a raised living area situated above the bedrooms and bathroom. The main living space extends the full length of the cabin, stretching from gable to gable. The design also incorporates several custom-built details, including a site-specific staircase connecting the different levels and slatted wooden sections that add screening and depth. Credits Architect: Eirik Rønning Andersen of ZIS AS. General Contractor: Byggmester Egil Norli AS. Photography: Carlos Rollan.

On the island of Sokn on Norway's western coast, architect Espen Surnevik transformed a decaying 200-year-old traditional stone naust, or boathouse, into a contemporary vacation home that respects its heritage while providing modern functionality. The project balances endurance with economy, blending old craftsmanship with minimalist interventions. The boathouse, a historic feature of Norwegian coastal culture, was originally built using locally gathered moraine stones. Surnevik's design retains the integrity of the original structure, with local masons repairing and reinforcing the dry-laid stone walls rather than replacing them. A key aspect of the design is the juxtaposition of the ancient stone foundation with a new, contemporary superstructure. This new volume mirrors the traditional local boathouse typology, with a low roof pitch and a lack of overhangs, a feature shaped by the harsh coastal climate. The exterior of the new upper volume is clad in matte black oxidized zinc, a durable material that weathers gracefully over time and stands in quiet contrast to the textured stone base. The interior, built primarily from spruce and pine, offers a simple, warm, and natural atmosphere. The space is guided by clean openings and simple spans, with furniture crafted from the same pine to maintain a consistent aesthetic. The project integrates the functionality of both a working boathouse and a holiday home, honoring the past while meeting contemporary needs. Surnevik's approach highlights a careful and thoughtful dialogue between the pre-existing structure and the modern additions, resulting in a building that is both a reflection of the past and a beacon for the future of coastal architecture. Credits Architect: Espen Surnevik Photography: Rasmus Norlander Location: Sokn, Norway

The Nisser Micro Cabin is a 26-square-meter residential prototype designed by Feste Landskap / Arkitektur and completed in 2017. It is located in Nissedal, a municipality in the Telemark region of Norway, on the banks of Lake Nisser. Commissioned by Smarte Hytter AS, a local cabin developer, the project was intended as a sustainable and compact alternative to the trend of large, luxurious holiday homes that are common in Norway. The architects' ultimate goal is to develop a floating version of the cabin, but due to local planning restrictions on Lake Nisser, the prototype was built on stilts on the shore. The design of the cabin maximizes the user's connection to the surrounding landscape. A large, glazed facade between the main living area and a covered terrace blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space, creating a seamless link to the lake and landscape. The exterior is clad in thermally treated pinewood, a sustainable and chemical-free material that gives the cabin a natural, integrated feel within its environment. This exterior cladding also has integrated gutters and downpipes, which creates clean, expressive facades. The compact, 26-square-meter floor plan includes a small mezzanine loft for sleeping, with a total capacity to accommodate up to seven people. The module is connected to electricity, water, and sewage via a flexible pipe that enters from beneath, a system designed to be compatible with a future floating version. Credits Architects: Feste Landskap / Arkitektur Lead Architect: David Fjågesund Client/Developer: Smarte Hytter AS Photography: David Fjågesund, Smarte Hytter AS Manufacturers: Sika, Moelven

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

Designed by JVA Jarmund Vigsnæs AS Architects MNAL, the Cabin in Nordmarka is a 120-square-meter retreat completed in 2004 in a freshly cut clearing in a forest near Oslo, Norway. Created primarily for use during the winter cross-country skiing season, the cabin is elevated off the ground and is designed to take in views of the soft hills, lakes, and low winter sun toward the southern horizon. The design is conceived as a "thick house," with secondary spaces serving as a form of insulation between the exterior and the interior core. This core is a two-story central space that functions like a small urban piazza and is filled with light from the sides and above. This central area features varied ceiling heights, ranging from smaller, cave-like children's beds to a high-ceilinged common room. Natural light is filtered into this central space through the surrounding secondary rooms. The materials and color palette reflect traditional housing in the area: a black-stained wooden shell and a light-wood interior. The timber construction features substantial insulation, with walls insulated to 15 cm, floors to 20 cm, and the roof to 25 cm. Wooden panels are used for cladding both the interior and exterior, and the roof is covered with wooden panels over a membrane. Interior fittings and the kitchen are custom-designed by the architects, using pine plywood. Pine and fir were used for both the cladding and construction. The bathroom and hallway floors are finished with limestone, and a plastered masonry fireplace provides warmth. Credits Architects: Einar Jarmund and Håkon Vigsnæs of JVA Jarmund Vigsnæs AS Photography: JVA Jarmund Vigsnæs AS

Situated on the rocky shoreline of Ny-Hellesund, Norway, the Krabbebu Cabin is a simple yet thoughtfully designed holiday retreat that harmonizes with its rugged coastal landscape. Completed in 2022, the 47-square-meter cabin was designed by Oslo-based firm KIMA Arkitektur in collaboration with the owners, an internationally acclaimed furniture and product designer couple. Inspired by the aesthetic of local fishing huts, the cabin's minimal and modest silhouette is strategically placed among rocky outcrops to provide shelter from the elements. To maximize the small footprint for a family of five, the interior features an open-plan living room and kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. The interior design, overseen by the client, incorporates custom-built kitchen furnishings to suit the compact space. The inside is clad entirely in pine wood, creating a warm, camp-like atmosphere that emphasizes the structure's materiality. The cabin is oriented toward the sea, with large windows providing expansive views of the water. A small outdoor deck and jetty further connect the residents with their surroundings, allowing for easy access to the water and coastal landscape. The exterior is also clad in pine wood, helping the cabin blend seamlessly into the Norwegian shore. The structure was built by local craftspeople, ensuring it reflects the regional building traditions. Credits Architects: KIMA Arkitektur Clients: Andreas Engesvik and Jannicke Grung Kitchen & Interior: Hamran Kitchen & Interior Windows: Meling Photography: Ivar Kvaal, Hest Agentur

"Designed by Helsinki-based Mer Arkkitehdit, the Andvik project is a modern villa thoughtfully integrated into the rugged, rocky terrain of Hanko, a historic Finnish seaside town. Surrounded by pine forests, the residence is a contemporary interpretation of coastal living, respecting both the landscape and the area's architectural heritage. The house features a bi-level structure, with its lower level partially submerged into the bedrock, a technique that minimizes the visual impact of the building and anchors it firmly to the cliffside. The main living floor sits perched on the cliff top, offering expansive and direct views of the Baltic Sea. This elevated position allows the house to feel protected yet completely connected to the dramatic coastal environment. The exterior is clad in spruce and painted with traditional linseed-oil paint, a nod to the 19th-century buildings characteristic of the region. This choice of material and finish helps the villa blend into its surroundings and weathers gracefully over time. Inside, the design creates a strong visual link between the interior and the rugged, natural surroundings. Large glass walls frame the dramatic landscape, bringing the sea and forest views directly into the living spaces. The interior palette is a mix of white and wood, complemented by unique details that reference the natural world. For instance, leaf-green floor tiles at the entrance mirror the surrounding pine forests, while rocks from the site itself are incorporated into both the interior and exterior. The living, dining, and kitchen areas feature retro-style furniture, adding a touch of character and warmth to the contemporary shell. A flat roof over the submerged lower level is topped with a wooden deck and balustrades, creating a large, sheltered terrace accessible from the main living area. Above the upper floor, a gabled, zinc-covered roof provides robust protection against the area's often harsh wind and sea spray. Project credits Architecture: Mer Arkkitehdit Photography: Marc Goodwin-Archmospheres"

"Nestled on the car-free island of Brønnøya in the Oslofjord, Villa Løken by Oslotre is a modern, maritime-inspired residence built for a professional sailor and his family. The project is a testament to sustainable timber architecture, showcasing how a high degree of prefabrication and manual labor can be used to construct a compact, yet bright and generous home under difficult logistical conditions. The design is a celebration of wood, reflecting both the surrounding nature and the owner's connection to wooden boats. The exterior is clad in reclaimed Brazilian cumaru wood from a 1950s Danish boat workshop, giving the villa a rich, recycled history. Inside, the home features a light and warm aesthetic with untreated aspen and oak panels, while the structural timber frame is left visible throughout. The house was built as a pure timber construction, utilizing precut timber elements and wood fiber insulation to minimize its environmental impact. The design is open in all directions, with large windows bringing in light, views, and a sense of connection to the surrounding nature and the water. This approach maximizes the perception of space despite the home's compact footprint. Project credits Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Structural Engineering: Oslotre Builder: Oslotre Client: Christian Løken Photography: Jonas Adolfsen Featured Timber: Tasmanian Timber"

"Boggestranda is a revitalized cabin retreat in Eidsvåg, Norway, designed by Rever & Drage Architects. Completed in 2016, the project converted an old building with a simple cellar and ten small rooms into a functional, airy cabin that offers stunning views of the fjord and mountain landscape. The design philosophy centered on retaining the traditional exterior appearance facing the road and village, while opening up the structure to the scenery on the other side. The original building featured a mix of materials, including wood, stone, and corrugated iron. Rever & Drage incorporated this eclectic feel into the new design, adding large glass panels to the south-east wall. This created unobstructed views from the kitchen, sitting, and dining areas. A long window was also added in the loft-style bedroom, allowing for picturesque views when lying in bed. To create a more open and modern living space, most of the interior partitions were removed. The loft and ground floor were combined into a single, open space, while the bedroom was the only room to be preserved. Functional updates were also made, including a tiled area with underfloor heating to dry wet shoes and an insulating wind membrane in the walls to improve heat retention. The existing corrugated iron roof was covered with a new wooden roof. On the west side, a simple covered shelter was added to the original facade, providing a dry space for equipment and creating an additional outdoor area. Credits Architects: Rever & Drage Architects Design Team: Tom Auger, Martin Beverfjord, Eirik Lilledrange Photography: Tom Auger "

"Located in Grydalen, in Norway's Sirdal municipality, Hytte Grydalen is a 75-square-meter off-grid cabin designed by Trodahl Arkitekter. The elongated cabin, completed in 2018, is situated in a protected area without electricity or drainage, and its angular, ship-like form stands in stark contrast to the rounded landscape of the surrounding mountains. The cabin's design prioritizes a connection to nature and a focus on an unplugged, off-the-grid lifestyle. Its off-grid power is supplied by solar panels, providing lighting for the interior. The house is elongated, with a steep-pitched roofline that allows for a full ceiling height and a spacious, open feel within the main living area. The interior is dominated by wood, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere, and features a sleeping loft with an uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape. Large windows, including glass walls in the living area, bring in natural light and blur the line between indoors and outdoors. The cabin also features an open fireplace for added warmth and ambiance. Credits Architect: Trodahl Arkitekter (Ådne Trodahl) Client: Fredrik Waage and Gunn Ertesvåg Builder: Bjergabygg As Photography: Niklas Hart "

"Located on a rocky and marshy site on the Norwegian island of Skardsøya, K21 Skardsøya is a 60-square-meter cottage completed in 2016 and designed by TYIN Tegnestue Architects. The project is a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Norwegian cottage, designed for a couple who wanted a simple retreat to maintain a close connection with nature. A remarkable feature of the project was the high degree of client involvement, with the owners doing most of the construction work themselves using spruce harvested from their own forest. The design is sensitive to the surrounding terrain, which heals slowly due to climatic factors. To minimize its impact, the structure rests on a concrete base and incorporates three different levels, which helps to lower its overall height and integrates it with the site's topography. The exterior is clad in untreated spruce, which will naturally fade over time to a silvery-gray patina, further blending the cabin with its environment. Inside, the material palette is warm and simple, continuing the wooden theme with beamed ceilings. Different ceiling heights define the living room, kitchen, and bedroom functions within the main space. The entrance is protected from the elements by a shared gallery roof. Credits Architects: Andreas G. Gjertsen and Ørjan Nyheim of TYIN Tegnestue Architects Clients and Contractors: Sissel By and Olve Aarhaug Photography: Pasi Aalto"

"Designed by Oslo-based Vardehaugen Architects and led by Håkon Matre Aasarød, Cabin Vindheim is a 55-square-meter retreat in the alpine landscape near Lillehammer, Norway, and was completed in 2016 for a private client. The cabin draws inspiration from the classic image of snowbound cabins, where only the roof protrudes through the snow, and blends into its surroundings with deep gables that extend to the ground. The structure's angular shape and black-stained pinewood cladding contrast with the dramatic white winter landscape. The interior, which is spacious despite its compact size, is clad in a waxed poplar veneer, with uplifts in the sloped ceiling creating a rich spatial experience. An uninterrupted ceiling connects the living room, bedroom, ski room, and a small utility annex. A large, 4-meter-long window in the bedroom offers views of the treetops and night sky, enhancing the feeling of sleeping within nature. The off-grid cabin relies on solar power and a wood oven for energy. A unique and playful feature is the cabin's roof, which doubles as a ski slope or toboggan run during the snowy winters. Credits Architects: Håkon Matre Aasarød, Berta Gaztelu, Joana Branco, and Kurt Breitenstein of Vardehaugen Architects Photography: Rasmus Norlander, Einar Elton"

“Tømmertempelet,” or the "Timber Temple," is a mountain cabin in Sinnes, Norway, designed by Knut Folstad Arkitekt and completed in 2020. The project is a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Norwegian cabin architecture, with the design blending traditional timber-framing methods with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The design of Tømmertempelet is a playful response to the "artificially traditional" winter cabins that have become common in the area. The architect aimed to create a structure that felt both deeply rooted in local tradition and also difficult to place in a specific time or context. The cabin features a strong, solid pine timber structure that is exposed on the inside and outside, becoming the building's central aesthetic feature. The main volume is lifted off the ground on concrete spot foundations, which adapt to seasonal weather and the sloping landscape. The cabin is clad with high-grade fir from a local sawmill, with an accordion-like panel on the second floor adding a dynamic element that interacts with light. The interior features pine walls and spruce floors treated with hardwax oil, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Custom-built furniture in ash was also used. Most of the cabin was built with locally sourced materials, and wood pulp was used for insulation. The cabin is composed of two main volumes: Main Volume: This area contains a double-height living room that opens to the outdoors, a kitchen, and a sleeping loft. A diagonal line cuts through the interior, making the space feel larger than its compact size. Smaller Volume: This section contains the bathroom and toilet. The cabin’s bathroom contains a custom, rich-green aluminum sitting tub, which, according to the architect, suggests a small forest pond when filled with water. The placement of the high windows allows morning and evening light to dramatically enter the space, creating a sense of natural tranquility. Credits Architect: Knut Folstad Arkitekt Lead Architect: Knut Folstad Contractor: Kjernebygg Photography: Knut Folstad

Nestled among the pine trees of Ogna, in the scenic southwest of Norway, is Trekronå, a unique and otherworldly treehouse retreat. Conceived by local couple Henrik and Lene Stokkeland, and brought to life by architect Manuela Hardy, the project aimed to create a sanctuary that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing the connection to nature. Its name, Trekronå, translates to "tree crown," reflecting its design inspiration drawn from the forest's canopy. The design for the 15 square meter (161 square foot) cabin was a collaboration between the architect and the clients, driven by a mutual fascination for playful design and childhood dreams of forest cabins. The geometric shape and timber cladding are inspired by pinecones and the surrounding pine forest. The structure is lifted off the ground on three tilted steel legs, built on a hexagonal metal base frame. This allows the cabin to be removed almost without a trace, and the stilts minimize interference with the terrain. A focus on using local materials and details was maintained throughout the build. The exterior is clad in Accoya, a rot-resistant, pine-based product, while the interior features elegant oak finishes. Despite its tiny footprint, the cabin is designed to accommodate up to five people with a functional kitchen, sleeping bunks, a shower room, and a sitting area with views of the woods. The construction of Trekronå became a collaborative, hands-on effort. Client Henrik Stokkeland, a trained carpenter, took an active role in the build. When he sustained an injury, the project continued with the help of numerous volunteers from the community. This community-driven spirit is part of what makes the cabin so special. The project was completed in 2021. Since its completion, the cabin has received significant acclaim, winning the Bronze A' Design Award in Architecture in 2022. Visitors can now rent the cabin for a memorable escape and enjoy the nearby sauna and spa area, also designed by Manuela Hardy. Project credits Architect: Arkitekt Manuela Hardy AS Clients/Owners: Lene and Henrik Stokkeland Photographers: Anne Bråtveit, Hugo Lütcherath, Lise Bjelland, Manuela Hardy, Pål Christensen Manufacturers and Collaborators: Copenhagen Bath Gerflor Nordan Sigurd Lende Støv keramikk Tjerand Trekompaniet

Perched at 1,125 meters (3,690 feet) above sea level in the mountainous Imingfjell region of Norway, "The Hooded Cabin" is a striking and robust weekend retreat designed by the Oslo-based architectural firm Arkitektværelset. Commissioned to create an efficient and resilient cabin, the firm responded to the site's challenging conditions and strict local building regulations by creating a design that is both practical and iconic. The central design challenge came from the high altitude, harsh weather, and strict local regulations, which dictate specific requirements for materials, roof pitch (22–27 degrees), and window sections. Rather than viewing these limitations as obstacles, head architect Grethe Løland used them as a source of creative inspiration, stating, "Limitations are the mother of all playful creativity". The cabin's defining characteristic is its large, protective hood-like roof, which shelters the entrance and the main facade from the elements. The roof is clad in ore pine paneling, which stands in geometric contrast to the main black-painted timber body of the cabin. The exterior features a mix of black and natural pine, creating a strong visual identity that stands out in the otherwise traditional landscape. The clean, angular lines give the cabin a modern, sculptural feel, even while adhering to strict traditional building codes. Large, sectioned windows on the front facade frame magnificent views of the surrounding lake and mountains, connecting the interior with the rugged landscape. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior of the 66-square-meter cabin (plus a 7-square-meter attic) is cozy and efficiently designed to accommodate up to 12 people. A warm, neutral palette of wood is used throughout the floors and walls, accented by touches of black. This creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. The cabin includes an open kitchen and dining area, a master bedroom, a bathroom, and a sauna that ingeniously doubles as a guest sleeping area. An additional attic space offers further sleeping accommodation for guests. Large glass sliding doors and corner windows enhance the feeling of space and bring the stunning outdoor scenery into the living areas. Project credits Architect: Arkitektværelset As Head Architect: Grethe Løland Photographer: Marte Garmann Location: Imingfjell, Norway

Hadar's House is a small, sustainable home that coexists harmoniously with its surroundings on the coast of Stokkøya, a Norwegian island known for its natural beauty and rugged shoreline. Designed by Stockholm-based Asante Architecture & Design, the house was completed in 2015 as part of a rural development project called "Bygda 2.0," which focuses on creating a dynamic, modern village with an emphasis on sustainable living, architecture, and gastronomy. The house was designed for Hadar Öster, a chef on the island, who wanted a home with stunning, uninterrupted sea views. The design of the 60 m² house prioritizes functionality and respect for the environment. The house is composed of two geometric, interlocking volumes. The structure is built partly on a concrete slab and partly on wooden pillars, which lifts the home over the steep, rocky terrain and minimizes its footprint. A sedum grass roof adds greenery and helps the building blend into the landscape. The exterior is clad in charred wood, a traditional Japanese technique (Shou Sugi Ban) adapted to the harsh Norwegian weather. This creates a low-maintenance, resilient façade that weathers naturally. The smaller, lower volume contains the entrance and bathroom, making it easily accessible from the road. The larger, higher volume contains the main living spaces and is oriented toward the sea for maximum views. The interior of Hadar's House is warm, cozy, and maximizes light and views. Large, panoramic windows in the living areas and even the bathroom frame the sea and the sky, fulfilling the client's dream of a home connected to its surroundings. Throughout the house, wooden panels with different treatments add warmth and variety. Exposed trapezoidal metal roofing sheets in the interior ceiling contrast with the wood and reflect light, creating a playful and airy feel. A wood-burning fireplace and efficient heating system ensure year-round comfort. The master bath features a unique, sunken bathtub perfectly positioned for uninterrupted views of the sea and, on clear nights, the Northern Lights. Recognition and legacy Hadar's House has received numerous accolades for its creative and sensitive design, including a Golden A' Design Award in 2018. Project credits Architect: Asante Architecture & Design Architects: Frida Öster, Carolina Wikström Client: Hadar Öster Project Manager (Bygda 2.0): Ingrid Langklopp, Roar Svenning Photographer: Marius Rua Construction Company: Stokkøy Utbygging AS Completion Year: 2015 Manufacturers: Höganäs, Kakelugnspannan, Rennebu Sag- og Trekultur