Atrium cabin on Vardehaugen, Åfjord

The coastal cabin has been placed on Vardehaugen, an outcrop of rock by the mouth of the fjord on the Fosen peninsula in Trøndelag.

The project is a result of the client’s wish for a cabin to suit the needs of the family, the distinctive site and the shifting climate of the area. The site is located 35 metres above sea level in a small depression with panoramic vistas in three directions. The building is inspired by the traditional Norwegian cluster yard, where flexible sheltered outdoor spaces and a clear social organisation are the main principles.

The body of the building lies snugly along a low mountain ridge, hugging the polished rock. The kitchen is the backbone of the building, tying the different rooms together. Here one has an overview of the cabin and the atrium, and access to the panoramic view out to sea. The bedrooms and the bathroom are located at the back of the house and the living room furthest out, like an observatory. The plan is open, but has nooks and crannies where one can enjoy a little privacy.

To provide maximum protection for the cabin, the black roof is folded down to become a wall on the sides most exposed to the weather. The wall surfaces are angled to prevent the wind from taking hold. By the entrance and the living spaces the rough dark walls are replaced by horizontal white panelling. The cabin is constructed with a simple timber frame, clad with impregnated pine. The cabin is anchored with steel cables that extend from the ground beam via the foundation wall to the bedrock.