kappland arkitekter places cabin on steep, seaside slope in norwegian island

oslo-based architecture firm kappland arkitekter has designed an all-year cabin for a family at stokkøya, an island situated on the outermost coast of trøndelag, norway. situated on a hillside, the site offers dramatic views in two directions; towards the open sea to the west and towards the mountainous landscape to the north. the steep site sits on an even slope, with low vegetation and high wind exposure. working with the challenging natural elements, the architects wanted the house to maintain visual contact with the two main views, to enhance the experience of the sloped terrain, and at the same time create outdoor spaces that were protected from the harsh weather conditions.

the architects created a building that follows the terrain, forming a stepped unit on the hillside. this created several levels, both indoors and outdoors. the main unit features a narrow, sloped roof, parallel to the contours of the terrain. at each end of the extended main unit, smaller units step up towards the south and down towards the north. this way, one can experience climbing and descending the slope, both indoors and outdoors. 

the shape of the building defines two outdoor spaces that can be used during varying sun and wind conditions, as well as being suitable throughout the year. at the back, an outdoor space is formed by the surrounding slope and the building itself. here, one can enjoy the morning sun and at the same time be protected from the westward winds.

the extensive glazed facade towards the ocean frames landscape views and give a sense of openness to the spaces. at the front, another outdoor space is formed by the house, where one can enjoy the afternoon sun and be protected from the northern winds. a walking trail that passes through the north of the site is used to access the property. from the trail, a staircase leads into the entrance on the gable wall on the northern facade of the house.

the main functions in the cabin are organized along the main unit, with the walkway to the west that connects the interiors with the vast landscape beyond. in the kitchen and living-room-space, the west wall has a generous floor-to-ceiling opening, which provides immediate contact with the great and open landscape outside. in contrast, the windows over the kitchen worktop and in the bedrooms (in the east), offer views of the mountains and vegetation. in the bathroom, a high-placed window lets daylight in over the shower. there are no windows in the south wall, thus shielding the cabin from its only neighbor.

despite the relative limited floor area, the cabin is designed for flexible use with multiple living areas. the kitchen and the living room double as a common space for the whole family. there are also several other smaller spaces, so family members and guests can have more private atmospheres. for example, from the living room one can step up into a smaller loft box with a view towards the landscape in the north. at the opposite end of the cabin you can go down to a resting box and enjoy the views in peace and quiet. these two rooms can also be used as extra bedrooms, workrooms or playrooms according to the family’s needs.

in order to use space efficiently in the relatively small bedrooms and other areas, most of the furniture was designed specifically for the cabin and was built onsite. the bedrooms include bunk beds in three levels, and the rest box is filled almost entirely by a daybed, all with integrated storage. the staircase from the living room to the loft box includes the wood stove designed into it, while also containing integrated shelves, cabinets and storage for firewood.

perched on piles at the front and anchored on a concrete slab at the back, the building gently hovers on the slope, leaving hardly any footprint. to make the cabin blend with the vegetation on the hillside, the exterior cladding and ceilings are dark, royal impregnated wood. the wood panels vary in thickness and direction in areas of the facades and correspond with active or quiet zones indoors. inside there is a variation of panels and veneer plates of birch, both on the walls and ceiling. the custom-made furniture is also made of birch veneer. the dark, wooden exteriors contrast with the light wood interiors, providing brighter indoor spaces that fill with light. the simplistic interior does not compete for attention with the magnificent views outside.

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project info:

architects: kappland arkitekten

location: stokkøya, an island situated on the outermost coast of trøndelag, norway

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edited by: cristina gomez | designboom