utsikten viewpoint at gaularfjellet opens along a national tourist route in norway

utsikten viewpoint at gaularfjellet is the latest structure to be built along norway’s national tourist routes, which already includes architecture by peter zumthor and reiulf ramstad. known as ‘utsikten’ — or ‘the view’ in english — the setting is a natural rest stop when driving over the gaular mountain along norway’s western coast. with clear sightlines towards 1500-meter high mountains and deep canyons, the site is elevated more than 700 meters above sea level.

the project is the latest structure to be built along norway’s national tourist routes
all images by jiri havran

it is here where code arkitektur has constructed a large, triangular concrete platform that measures just 80 centimeters thick. the structure appears to rest lightly on the terrain with raised, wing‐like corners that protrude both outwards and upwards. cars are able to drive to the outlook, while visitors are free to experience the spectacular scenery from a variety of angles.

the setting is a natural place to stop when driving over the gaular mountain

before construction work began, the architects sketched the concept at full-scale at the site itself. with the aid of a crane and ropes, the structure was visualized as a wire model before being transferred into a 3D version prior to further development. this ensured the optimal placement for the finished project, and meant that the design team were able to fully exploit the site’s qualities.

clear sightlines are provided towards 1500-meter high mountains

the mountain’s location, and its complex geometry, proved challenging throughout the construction process. to prepare for work on-site, the various parties involved first participated in a trial construction of large sections of the platform.

the site is elevated 700 meters above sea level

appearing as an independent geometric object in the landscape, the viewing platform uses materials and technology that are both familiar and robust. over time the concrete will acquire natural vegetation and its color will blend with that of the surrounding mountain range. rails have been made from thick steel pipes along the platform’s edges, with outstretched nets designed to be as transparent as possible.

openings provide access to the adjoining terrain

concrete surfaces have been milled, honed, sandblasted or board‐sheathed in order to accentuate the platform’s dynamic form. the raised corners contain apertures that provide areas to sit and stand, as well as access to the restrooms and the adjoining terrain. openings also serve as outlets for amassed rainwater, while during rainy weather it is possible to seek shelter beneath the raised edges.

the viewing platform uses materials and technology that are both familiar and robust

the structure appears to rest lightly on the terrain

wing‐like corners protrude both outwards and upwards

visitors are free to move between the corners to experience the spectacular scenery

the triangular concrete platform is just 80 centimeters thick

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project info:

architect: CODE: architecture
engineers: B-consult by steinar bjercke and difk by florian kosche
developer: national tourist routes, norway
contractor: veidekke sandane

address: gaularfjell, balestrand municipality, norway
completion: june 2016

area: 850 sqm

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