snøhetta creates pilot homes for people living under challenging conditions in norway

snøhetta designs for residents with complex needs in norway

Snøhetta completes Karmøy Pilot Homes, three residences tailored for people facing serious substance abuse and psychiatric challenges on Norway’s west coast island. Developed as part of a pioneering research initiative, these homes explore how architectural design can enhance the quality of life, improve health and safety standards, and reduce municipal costs.‘We hope that we have created homes that users want to take care of so that they have a longer lifespan than such homes generally have today,’ shares Elin Vatn, senior interior architect and project lead of Snøhetta.

Diagonal saddle roofs crown the three houses, which share similar layouts and volumes but differ in their choice of primary materials: one features solid wood with exposed interiors, while the other two comprise a semi-detached house combining brick and concrete units. Material selection was informed by studies on durability, washability, and robustness, ensuring the homes can withstand wear and tear while remaining visually appealing.

all images by Haakon Nordvik, courtesy of Snøhetta

Karmøy Pilot Homes feature durable materials and furniture

The Oslo-based Snøhetta team opts for materials—solid wood, brick, and concrete—that excelled in physical tests for resistance to impacts, fire, and vandalism. Their slightly rough aesthetic masks wear and tear, extending the perceived lifespan of the homes. Fixed, durable furniture was prioritized over replaceable pieces, reducing operating costs and emphasizing longevity. Although reuse and dismantling are common in sustainable housing, this project focused on repairable materials to balance environmental considerations with practical needs.

Each home was designed to accommodate specific resident behaviors, such as object hoarding, indoor use of open flames, and dismantling of interiors. These factors influenced the design of floor plans, technical solutions, ventilation systems, heating, and fire safety measures. For example, one house includes a freestanding bedroom accessible from the exterior, allowing staff to clean and maintain spaces independently of the resident. All three residences feature a wooden ceiling that adds warmth while remaining out of reach from potential harm.

Recognizing the users’ shared interest in carpentry, outdoor spaces were designed with roofed canopies and spacious storage areas featuring double-height doors. This layout allows tools and equipment to be used and stored conveniently, reducing the need to bring such activities indoors.

Snøhetta completes Karmøy Pilot Homes in Norway

aligning with the municipality’s plans to reduce homelessness

Placed within a natural living context, the homes are designed to foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents, aligning with Karmøy municipality’s Vision Zero for homelessness. The city aims to provide suitable, adaptive housing for all residents with substance abuse and psychiatric diagnoses, prioritizing close dialogue with each individual to address their unique needs.

The project—initiated in 2020 and funded by the Research Council of Norway alongside Karmøy and Stavanger municipalities—was conducted in collaboration with the Norwegian Research Centre (Norce), the University of Stavanger, and other institutions. Snøhetta adapts physical housing elements based on insights from residents, municipal employees, and user organizations. User involvement played a pivotal role throughout the design process, with VR tools used to visualize homes and assess roof shapes, materials, and colors.

the residences are tailored for people facing serious substance abuse and psychiatric challenges

plans to scale the model in more norwegian regions

By tailoring housing concepts to specific profiles, Snøhetta generates valuable insights into diverse needs and preferences through the Karmøy Pilot Homes project. Over time, the municipality plans to refine these designs and potentially scale the model to other regions in Norway, enabling scientifically grounded evaluations of the homes’ long-term impact.

‘Everything that’s normally taken into account when we are designing homes is also looked after here – light and air, a view of the green, natural and tradition-bearing materials, and flexible solutions which allow for expression and creativity. The sense of security, belonging and pride. That you are treated with respect and dignity. The special adaptations have been made in addition to this, not at the expense of it,’ explains Elin Vatn.

outdoor spaces were designed with roofed canopies and spacious storage areas