These Remote Cabins “Float” Above a Fjord in Norway—and You Can Stay in Them

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Project Details:

Location: Lysefjorden, Norway

Architect: Snøhetta / @snohetta

Developer: Tom Bjarte Norland

Kitchen and Interior Partner: Vipp / @vipp

From the Architect: "The Bolder project consists of four cabins lifted over the ground designed to harmonize in the best possible way with the surrounding nature and blur the lines between being indoors and outdoors.

"The project, which started in 2020, grew out of the desire to create an experience that is truly special and authentic, where nature plays a major part. The four cabins, Stylten, Myra, Stjerna, and Eldhuset, are located on the edge of Lysefjorden, built to blend in with the landscape with a minimal footprint on the surrounding nature. They are lifted above ground on large concrete pillars and have glass facades for guests to appreciate the natural surroundings from inside their private cabins."

"When stepping inside, guests are left with the illusion of floating in the air on the edge of the cliff with unobstructed views over the fjord and mountains filled with Bonsai-like pine trees and boulders left by the glaciers when the ice age came to an end thousands of years ago.

"To draw the serenity of nature inside the cabins, a minimalistic design ethos with furniture in natural and durable materials in earthy colors and organic textures was opted for in the interior design and styling. Wood, marble, and leather are recurring materials of choice in the selection of furniture. In contrast, the concrete flooring on the lower level adds a roughness to a sensible decor.

"To reflect the nature of the building site, dominated by granite and slow-growing pine trees, Snøhetta chose to work with wood and concrete with aggregate from the actual site as the primary materials for the project. The trees that had to be taken down during the construction have been set aside to be reused for other parts of the projects, and the granite that has been cut out of the ground has been used to make the concrete for the construction.

"Both the inside and outside walls and roofs merge into one uniform shape, letting the object be singular in the landscape and homogeneous on the inside. This gives the cabins a shallow and solid feeling, like a nest. Details on the inside are minimal and precise to ensure a complete experience with clean surfaces to not interfere with the spectacular view.

"The Bolder project will feature two additional structures set to be completed within the next few years, including a lounge and a gourmet restaurant serving locally sourced food. Three of the cabins are now complete and open for bookings."