A striking retreat in Norway reimagines the traditional cabin by turning its connecting hallway into an open-air deck, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness
From the Architect: « Perched on stilts above pristine, sloping terrain along Norway’s southern coastline, this unique cabin design frames distant views extending to Denmark’s shores.
« The structure consists of three distinct volumes unified by an elevated wooden deck that hovers above the natural rock formation and indigenous vegetation below. The atrium-inspired layout, sheltered by a single cantilevered roof, blurs indoor and outdoor living spaces – perfect for its function as a summer residence. The roof’s thoughtful design serves dual purposes: controlling solar gain while ensuring adequate natural illumination, and providing shelter during inclement weather.
« Local spruce cladding, treated with organic gray-pigmented preservative, gives the cabin an instantly weathered aesthetic. Inside, white horizontal wood paneling contrasts with light-toned spruce floors and ceilings – a color scheme characteristic of traditional Norwegian coastal cabins.
« The structural system features wooden pillars supporting cross-laminated timber beams that extend from the deck to the roof. This design draws inspiration from California’s midcentury modernist architecture, where the architect completed his training. A distinctive V-shaped wooden column supports the cantilevered roof, while a generous glass corner opens the main living area to nature, emphasizing the cabin’s harmonious relationship with its environment. »
