atelier oslo projects the norderhov cabin in a norwegian forest

the humble norderhov cabin designed by norwegian studio atelier oslo sits in the heavily wooded krokskogen forest with a picturesque view of lake steinsfjorden. the form of the cabin was truly shaped by wind conditions- exposed to strong gusts, the dwelling was arranged on a cross-shaped footprint that marks four outdoor spaces which are sure to block directional winds and accept varying qualities of sunlight throughout the day. the exterior of the structure is clad in basalt stone shingles installed to replicate that of the traditional wood siding but requiring a fraction of the maintenance. 

image © atelier oslo | all images courtesy of atelier oslo

full-height glass panels cover the facades facing the desirable views, with mullions set out of the view from the interior so as to give the effect of the glass not existing at all. this rather dark and rectilinear exterior shell is complimented by a more sinuous timber interior wrapped in 4mm birch. situated on a slope, the inside is marked by slightly changing levels that follow the site’s contours and delineates the different spatial functions. at the very center, a fireplace is embedded into the ground plane, visible from all rooms and alluding to a campfire hearth. almost the entire building was prefabricated, utilizing CNC-milled parts the house was easily erected with minimal damage to the site.

geometric exterior facades wrapped in basalt stone panels
image © atelier oslo

glass doors open to exterior spaces blocked from the winds
image © atelier oslo

view from just above the cabin, sowing the nearby lake and town
image © atelier oslo

main interior space
image © lars petter pettersen

image © lars petter pettersen

central hearth surrounded by rounded wooden walls and hexagonal timber floor tiles
image © lars petter pettersen

image © lars petter pettersen

living room with views to the exterior
image © lars petter pettersen

(left) light detail | (right) hexagonal floor tiles
image © lars petter pettersen

image © jonas adolfsen

(left) connection detail between glass facade and stone cladding | image © atelier oslo
(right) view of glass facade | image © lars petter pettersen

image © lars petter pettersen

image © lars petter pettersen

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project info:

name: cabin norderhov
completed: 2014
client: private        
architect: atelier oslo
team: nils ole bae brandtzæg, thomas liu, marius mowe, jonas norsted, juan ruiz, bosheng gan, sveinn thorarinsson, emmanuel ferm
consultants: estatikk as v/ sivilingeniør ole morten braathen, aps as v/kåre wærnes, moelven limtre as v/ rolf evensen, concept design v/fredrik eng,
main contractor: byggmester bård bredesen
gross area: 80 kvm
photo credits: lars petter pettersen/ atelier osl/ jonas adolfsen