Location: Senja, Norway

Client: Solbjørg Sørensen & Reidar Fagerholt

Architects/designers: Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio AS

Project Manager: Hans-Petter Bjørnådal

Design team: Architect MNAL Hans-Petter Bjørnådal

Collaborators: Reidar Fagerholt & Solbjørg Sørensen

Engineers: Hustre

Landscape Architect: Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio

Suppliers: Hustre

Project sector: Housing

Budget: 2 400 000 NOK

Project completion date: July 2020

Photographer: Hans-Petter Bjørnådal

About Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio

Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio is a Norwegian architecture studio founded by Hans-Petter Bjørnådal (1977), who graduated from the Bergen School of Architecture (BAS) in 2003.

The architect’s vision is to explore architecture with a more artistic approach to the world. Exploring people, landscapes, cultures, sociology, myths, and stories contributes to being able to create projects that are relevant to people and the human experience of the world in our modern society.

Hans-Petter has long worked towards the public and private sector and with his experience and artistic approach has been awarded a number of national and international awards.

This view of the house showcases the surrounding thick vegetation of trees and shrubs that go well with the materials of the house exteriors.

This is a lower angle viewing the house that showcases its large glass walls that stands out against the surrounding lush landscaping of trees and shrubs.

The house has large glass doors and windows that stand out against the dark modern materials of the exterior walls.

This angle of the house showcases its irregular shape and angles giving the house a unique look.

There is a walkway and driveway leading to the main entrance of the house made of rocks and sand. This is contrasted by the dark exteriors of the house that has a tall thin chimney on the side.

This closer look at the house showcases its various glass doors and glass windows in different shapes that stand out against the exteriors.

This is the side of the house facing the scenery. This isde has a large glass window as well as a wooden deck flooring.

This is a closer look at the wooden deck that surrounds the house. This area is fitted with a set of outdoor furniture that stands out against the dark exteriors and the dark wooden deck flooring.

This is the wooden deck walkway in front of the house. This area's darkness together with the exteriors of the house makes the glowing glass windows and doors stand out.

This is a close look at the contrast between the glass window of the house and its exteriors.

This close look at the house's exterior features various sconces, glass windows and doors that contrast the exteriors.

This is a close look at one of the thin and narrow windows that go well with the exterior walls.

This close look at the exterior of the house shows that the striped texture of the exterior walls pair well with the dark wooden deck flooring on the side of the house.

This is a close look at the glass sliding doors near the deck patio. This has a large glass transom window that lets in natural lighting.

This is a closer look at the long and narrow horizontal window that glows warmly from the yellow light of the interiors.

The the dark textured exterior walls of the house is contrasted by the warm glow of the long and narrow window.

This is the side of the house with a row of glass sliding doors that reflect the sunset.

This is a close look at the dining area of the house with a long wooden dining table that is surrounded by glass walls.

This closer look showcases the wooden tone of the surrounding chairs that have the same tone as the table.

This long dining table is complemented by the pendant lights hanging from the ceiling and the sweeping views outside the glass walls.

A few steps from the dining table is this large kitchen island with dark cabinetry contraste dby its light-toned countertop.

This large kitchen island has a couple of white pendant lights hanging from a wooden tray ceiling that matches the tone of the flooring.

This area is complemented by the sweeping views outside the glass walls that also bring in natural lighting.

This is a wholeview of the kitchen from the vantage of the dining area. The tone of the cabinetry of the kitchen stands out against the light wooden elements of the walls and ceiling.

This is a narrow hallway leading to the backdoor of the house to the deck flooring that has a sweeping view of the landscape.

This is a close look at the light wooden material of the house interiors.

Upon entry of the house, you are welcomed by this foyer with a wooden built-in mudroom with racks and shelves.

This is the narrow area between the edge of the kitchen peninsula and the glass wall.

This is a close look at the wooden grain of the light hardwood flooring bathed in sunlight.

This is a close look at the wooden ceiling with a few modern lights installed on it.

The large glass walls of the house brings in an abundance of natural lighting that lightens up the light tone of the wooden ceiling.

The ceiling is supported by these black pillars that contrast the wooden ceiling.

This is a close look at the wooden ceiling of the house showcasing the difference between the wooden walls and the wooden ceiling.

This is an illustrative representation of the metal beam supports of the house.

This is an illustrative representation of the metal beams as seen from above.

This is an illustrative representation of the first floor blue print.

This is an illustrative representation of the north, south, east and west elevations.

The cabin is located in Senja at 69° north in Norway surrounded by majestic mountains, magical fjords with thriving fishing villages, holding on to narrow bits of land between mountains and ocean. The National Tourist Route leads you on a 10 mil long journey along with one of the finest landscapes, with spectacular points of view and several exciting detours.

The cabin designed by Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio is located near a small fishing village called Hamn. The client wanted a family cottage with panoramic views of Senja’s stunning mountains and nature. In such a beautiful and delicate landscape, it is important to build with nature and create a project that feels like a part of the landscape.

By studying old Sami building traditions, the architects found the ancient tradition of “Heller” where Sami would find shelter and build a cottage under large rocks. By shaping the building envelope like a stone with natural lines similar to the mountains, one could make a large panorama window in this shape. The project then becomes a “rock with a view” that settles naturally in the terrain – hidden by the forest from neighbors and the main road. Still, on the inside of the cabin, you feel like being part of nature.

The cabin has a wooden facade painted in dark grey to naturally blend in with the surrounding nature. The windows are made of wood/aluminum with details in steel to protect from the harsh winter storms. The main entrance is carved into the building mass and creates a sheltered space to relax.

Inside the cabin, the walls are covered with pine boards, oak floors, and a 45×45 wooden slated ceiling. This creates a warm and cozy atmosphere to relax by the fireplace.

At the dinner table, one gathers the family with a panoramic view of the mountains. The lines between inside and outside have been blurred and the space changes in tune with the light and landscape.

« Architecture is about facilitating life that will take place inside the built, and that this life thrives and grows in symbiosis with our world. Architecture is not just the shell that keeps you dry and shields you from the forces of nature. It will also help to recreate the connection between man and nature, man and the cosmos. » says Hans-Petter Bjørnådal.