On the edge of a cliff : inside the extraordinary Norwegian summer house - BBC

Summary

This video explores a stunning Norwegian summer house that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Perched on a steep, tree-filled slope, the home feels like a grown-up treehouse, integrating unique features such as a massive rock forming part of a fireplace. The design emphasizes elemental materials—glass, concrete, and steel—while creating open, unconventional spaces that connect inhabitants to the landscape. The bedroom pods immerse residents in the treetops, offering serene views of the fjord and morning birdsong. The house exemplifies contemporary Norwegian architecture, responding directly to its environment rather than relying on traditional forms, resulting in a truly site-specific, one-of-a-kind living experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The summer house is likened to a grown-up's treehouse, offering a unique and immersive experience.
• 😀 The site is steeply sloping with a beautiful view, adding to the house’s allure and connection to nature.
• 😀 There’s no road access to the house, making it more secluded and contributing to the experience of reaching it.
• 😀 The house incorporates rock into its design in a groundbreaking way, with the rock even integrated into the concrete fireplace.
• 😀 The rock in the house serves as both a striking visual element and a functional heat reflector for the room.
• 😀 The bedroom pods provide the sensation of living within a tree canopy, offering an intimate connection with nature.
• 😀 The house is free of curtains, allowing for a clear view of the fjord and a deep connection with the outdoors.
• 😀 The design of the house is described as elemental and uses basic materials like glass, concrete, and steel to create a delicate balance with nature.
• 😀 The house challenges traditional notions of a room, where the space doesn't follow the standard conventions of four walls and a door.
• 😀 The architecture reflects a deeply Norwegian ethos by responding to the geography and fabric of the land, rather than traditional styles or past ideas.
• 😀 This house exemplifies the idea that architecture can be rooted in the geography of its location, making it distinctly Norwegian and unable to be replicated elsewhere.

Q & A

What makes the summer house unique compared to a typical home?

The summer house is described as a 'grown-up's treehouse,' blending with nature in an unconventional way. It has no road access and uses natural elements like rock, glass, and steel, offering an entirely different experience from a traditional house.

Why is the rock element in the house so exciting?

The rock in the house is remarkable because it's built into the structure rather than being just part of the landscape. It serves as a backplate for the fireplace, allowing heat to reflect into the room, adding both aesthetic and functional value.

How does the design allow the inhabitants to feel connected to nature?

The house's design places inhabitants in the tree canopy, allowing them to feel like they are living among the trees. The lack of curtains also enhances the experience by offering unobstructed views of the surroundings, connecting the interior to the natural environment.

What is the significance of the bedroom pods in the house?

The bedroom pods allow the inhabitants to sleep high up in the treetops, offering a peaceful and serene experience. This setup makes it feel like living in a nest, with views of the fjord and the natural surroundings.

How does the architect's use of materials contribute to the house's design?

The architect used basic materials such as glass, concrete, and steel in a delicate and thoughtful way. This approach helps the house blend into the natural environment while creating a design that redefines what a living space can be.

What does the house say about Norwegian architecture?

The house represents Norwegian architecture by showing that it doesn't need to rely on historical or vernacular designs. Instead, it responds directly to the specific geography and natural fabric of the location, making it uniquely Norwegian.

How does the design of the house challenge traditional notions of a living room?

The house challenges traditional notions of a living room by removing the concept of four walls and a door. The space is open and interconnected with the natural environment, making it feel more fluid and less confined compared to a conventional room.

What role does the natural landscape play in the house’s design?

The natural landscape is integral to the design, with the house's location in the trees and its use of natural rock. This integration ensures that the house feels like part of the environment rather than an imposition on it.

What is the significance of the house's location with no road access?

The lack of road access emphasizes the house's connection to nature, making it more remote and isolated. It also enhances the idea that reaching the house is a journey, contributing to the sense of adventure and retreat from modern life.

What feeling does the house evoke for its inhabitants in terms of living experience?

The house evokes a feeling of peace, serenity, and connection to nature. With its unique design, inhabitants can experience living in harmony with the environment, waking up to birdsong, natural sunlight, and expansive views of the landscape.