KOKO architects plans nye skåpet mountain lodges in norway

KOKO architects plans nye skåpet mountain lodges for norwegian hiking trial
all images courtesy of KOKO architects

estonian practice KOKO architects has designed a series of weatherproof dwellings for the rogaland hiking trail in norway. conceived for the stavanger tourism association, the ‘nye skåpet mountain lodges’ comprise a main building, sleeping cabins, a toilet with storage room, and a sauna. as there is no main electricity supply, the various facilities are heated using wood. there are two gas stoves in the kitchen that visitors can use at the same time, while a solar panel provides energy for lighting. hikers can wash themselves in the sauna, positioned directly above a mountain stream.

the nye skåpet mountain lodges in norway
video courtesy of produktsiooni grupp

the lodges are clad with rolled zinc, which resists wind and snow and requires very little maintenance. internally, the use of locally sourced wood creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. all of the buildings have a glazed façade with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. the main building — with its rectangular plan and kitchen, living area and sleeping facilities — can accommodate 30 to 35 trekkers, while the smaller lodges can accommodate five.

the lodges are clad with rolled zinc, which resists wind and snow

the stavanger tourism association has 23,000 members and provides versatile and environmentally friendly activities in the wilderness for a range of users. the organization has 35 self-catering mountain lodges in the area with hikers leaving money for the accommodation in a box inside the lodge or an invoice form with their personal information. since the lodges are mostly a long way from roads and traffic, it is also the duty of the visitors to take care of those arriving after them. consequently, everyone replenishes the food supply, brings firewood, and cleans before they leave.

hikers can wash themselves in the sauna, positioned directly above a mountain stream

in 2013, the norwegian tourism association organized an architectural competition to construct self-catering mountain lodges for the hiking trail around lysefjord and on the rocky shores of the soddatjørn mountain lake. three years after winning the competition, KOKO architects’ design will be completed later in 2016.

the use of locally sourced wood creates a warm and friendly atmosphere