the nest
CABIN IN HAUGASTØL, WITH MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAIN VIEW
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The owner of this mountain cabin has spent several years living and working in Asia and Africa. Now retiring and returning to Norway, she wanted to spend most of her time in the middle of the Norwegian nature. The site for her second home she found in Haugastøl, one of the highest mountain stations on the Oslo-Bergen railroad.
The budget was limited and the owner’s needs were basic, so the aim was to create a modest cabin that economized the use of space, built with traditional methods and details, with emphasize on quality materials and good proportions. It should have a close relation to the nature surrounding it, both visually and practically, with easy access to the outdoor areas even when the snow level is 1-2 meters high. The cabin should not feel too big for one person, and yet be able to accommodate up to 20 guests.
The site is steep, and from its higher level it has a breathtaking view over the Hardanger plateu, “Hardangervidda”. The steep site and the orientation towards the view led to a narrow building shape with service functions in the back, towards the hill, and living space in the front, facing the view. A passage line runs in the middle, dividing the two functions. Wind directions and piling of snow was carefully studied to ensure sheltered and sunny rest areas outside, windows with unrestricted view also in the winter, and at least one of the cabins doors is free from snow at all times.
Roof and facades are clad with spruce that will turn silver gray as it ages. The panel is treated only with iron vitriol to even out the grey, as the wood in a dry mountain climate will be sufficiently resistant in itself to withstand the strain of time and weather.
Constructed by Bærum Håndverkersenter
70 m2
Completed 2007
Published in Bonytt (magazine), Norske hyttedrømmer (book), Klikk (website), Dagbladet (newspaper) and Das Haus (magazine), among others.
Photos 2-4 and 11-14: Photo by Ragnar Hartvig, styling by Tone Kroken