Erik Solberg accompanied his then-girlfriend Tone Ingrid Haugen on a holiday to Hallvardøy Island in northern Norway, unaware that she would fall madly in love with the region and spend the following two years setting down roots on the secluded island.
With the assistance of Solberg’s family (who lived nearby) and the creative knowledge of award-winning architect Snorre Stinessen, the couple dived headfirst into creating their dream getaway.
« It’s actually a beautiful love story, » explains. « These two people met at a grown-up age, each having their own children, and live on opposite sides of the country—Erik lives in Tromsø, Tone in Elverum—but this project became their place to meet and spend as much time together as possible. » The pair just married and had their honeymoon in the Cabin.
The process of building their dream cottage, however, was not easy. First, the pair had to collaborate with the Ballangen municipality to create an entirely new zoning plan for the undeveloped territory. Once completed, they carefully chose a naturally flat building site to reduce site disruption. The property provides breathtaking views of the fjord and mountains, as well as ideal lighting and privacy.
« Connection to the place, site, and nature, as well as the actual retreat from hectic daily life, were perhaps the core elements they sought, » notes Stassen, who collaborated closely with his clients to create a sculptural retreat that not only amplifies the beauty of Efjord, but also exudes a sense of warmth, making the couple feel instantly at home.
Taking use of the site’s modest slope, Stassen built the 2,150-square-foot cabin into two parts: a larger two-story volume holding the bedrooms and sauna, and a smaller volume containing the open-plan living areas a few steps down.
Stassen predominantly used locally obtained lumber to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The exterior cladding is made of core pine treated with iron sulfate, while the interior is covered in birch veneer. Walls of glass enclose stunning views of the dramatic mountains in the south and the fjord in the west.
When asked about his favorite feature of the project, Stassen responds, « It must be the integration with the landscape, both up close and from a distance. »
