aksent arkitekter embeds observatory into norwegian mountainside

a day-trip cabin ‘Dagsturhytta’

The Day-Trip Cabin Hovdenuten, designed by Aksent Arkitekter, is the result of a collaborative effort between the municipality of Bykle and SVR, the organization overseeing protected wild landscapes across Norway. This project was conceived with a deep respect for its natural surroundings, aiming to camouflage subtly into the mountain of Hovdenuten, which looms over the village of Hovden.

The newly completed Sherpa stairs, leading to the cabin, play a crucial role in directing visitors to the summit of Hovdenuten. From this vantage point, the protected area of Hovden, which serves as a critical winter grazing ground for wild reindeer, becomes fully visible. With a sweeping glass facade, the stone cabin offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with this landscape while enjoying a thoughtfully designed architectural experience.

images © Even Lundefaret

aksent arkitekter respects the wild landscape

With the design of the Day-Trip Cabin, the team at Aksent Arkitekter draws inspiration from the traditional retaining walls, or bakkemur, commonly found in the hilly regions of Norway. These walls are used to terrace steep terrains, a concept that has been reimagined in the cabin’s construction. The initial material palette proposed by the municipality included stone, steel, and glass, each selected for its symbolic and practical significance. Stone, representing the mountainous location, was chosen for its durability and connection to the landscape. Steel, initially included to reflect Hovden’s history of iron extraction, was eventually replaced with wood after discussions with local stakeholders. Glass was retained to symbolize modernity and to create a connection between the interior and the stunning exterior views.

The final material selection for the cabin includes concrete covered with a stone wall, wooden beams, columns, and ceiling, along with a glass front. The roof is topped with turf collected from the surrounding area, ensuring that the structure visually merges with its environment. Inside the cabin, concrete casting was chosen over stone walls, with wooden formwork used to highlight the interplay between the wooden structure and the concrete. This combination of materials not only provides structural integrity but also ensures that the cabin remains in harmony with its natural surroundings.

the Day-trip Cabin Hovdenuten hides subtly into the mountain of Hovdenuten, outside Hovden, Norway

a viewing platform for reindeer-watching in norway

The cabin’s form is designed by Norway-based Aksent Arkitekter to be an extension of the terrain, minimizing its impact on the landscape. Its aerodynamic shape reduces wind resistance, a crucial consideration given the harsh weather conditions at Hovdenuten. The cabin’s unique shape, built to suggest an eye gazing out over the earth, is oriented to provide panoramic views of the wild reindeer habitats, making these natural elements the focal point for visitors.

The rear facade of the cabin, which houses the entrance, is intentionally closed off, creating a stark contrast with the expansive panoramic view that greets visitors upon entry. This design choice frames the habitat of the wild reindeer, emphasizing the cabin’s role as a viewing point rather than a mere shelter. Geometrically, the cabin is composed of a simple intersection of three cylinders — roof, front, and rear facades. Despite the simplicity of this concept, each wooden column and beam within the structure is unique, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the cabin’s construction.

Sherpa stairs lead visitors to the cabin, offering views of Hovden’s protected reindeer grazing grounds

the design draws from traditional retaining walls, using local materials like stone and wood to echo the context

a combination of concrete, stone, wood, and glass, create a structure that respects its natural surroundings

each wooden column and beam in the cabin is unique, expressing careful craftsmanship

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project info:

project title: Dagsturhytta (Day-Trip Cabin)

architecture: Aksent Arkitekter AS | @aksentark

location: Hovden, Setesdal, Norway

client: Bykle kommune
lead architect: Erick Thomas Allende
engineering: Asplan Viak AS
main contractor: Otralaft AS
wood: Sørlaminering AS, Aanesland Treindustri AS
concrete: Vavik & Tønnessen AS, Ribe betong AS
glass: Sørvindu AS
built area: 66 square meters
completion: 2024