An inventive summer home on the cliffs – Lille Arøya was built on nature’s terms
Lille Arøya is a summer home in Norway, designed by Lundhagem Architects and completed in 2017.
Design: Lundhagem Arkitekter
Location: Larvik, Norway
Completed: 2014
Gross area: 75 m2
LILLE ARØYA, located on the south coast of Norway, in Larvik, makes an unforgettable first impression as one approaches the cliffside by boat. Designed by Lundhagem Architects, the summer house built over the restless water is like a bridge between the rocky islets and the mainland.
Skillfully following the complex nature of the challenging terrain, the building is at the same time a visible, separate element and an intimate hideaway that naturally blends into the landscape.
Combining traditional materials and natural tones, Lille Arøya is closely connected to the rocky landscape that it stands on.
The summer home was built in the terms of nature and a challenging environment.
Ore pine or heart pine is used as the main material for both the interior and the façade, bringing a touch of tradition to the modern look of the cabin.
The client's wish was to make even better use of the grounds and enchanting landscape of their existing summer home. The building replacing the original cottage took over an unutilized area consisting of several small rock islands, the complex shape of which was harnessed as a powerful resource for the project by creating hand-built bridge structures and support pillars.
The complex shape of the area was harnessed as a powerful resource for the project by creating bridge structures and support pillars.
Balancing between the rocks, the low-rise building both attaches itself in an interesting way to the stagnant look of the rocky landscape and simultaneously appears to rise above it in a light and airy way, depending on the perspective.
The cottage consists of two parts. In the higher end, equipped with glass walls, you can enjoy dining and lounging – and the incredible scenery – while the lower wing provides a more sheltered space for resting and bathing.
The kitchen and dining area open up onto a multipurpose outdoor space.
The black roof and end triangles help the building blend in with the rocky landscape and add a pleasing contrast to the natural look of the pine – which will gradually turn silver-gray over the years.
The materials chosen for the façade connect the modern structure to Scandinavian building traditions in a charming way. Covered throughout with roughly sawn pine heartwood – or malmfuru as the locals call it – the building will turn a charismatic silvery hue as it ages, the natural patina further supporting the building's harmonious coexistence with the surrounding nature.
The materials connect the modern structure to Scandinavian building traditions in a charming way.
The warm and inviting appearance of the natural-colored walls is accentuated by the soot-black ceiling and end triangles. The wooden end triangles bring a surprising visual addition to the understated geometric appearance of the building, while they also provide a shield against the gusty coastal winds and protect the interiors from the scorching sun.
Pine heartwood is the main material indoors as well, but for the interior, the designers opted for a smoother finish. The Semi pendant lamp is part of GUBI's selection.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the surrounding nature to intertwine with the interior. The Akari 9AD table lamp is designed by Isamu Noguchi.
Brass details add life to the serene stillness of the concrete – further accentuated as brass slowly develops a unique patina.
Lille Arøya is divided into two parts that have a distinct difference in character. The glass walls of the lounge areas and kitchen provide an uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape while cooking, eating, and socializing, while the separate wing offers a more sheltered setting for sleeping and bathing.
The height variations of the plot have been utilized cleverly indoors as well: the pine floor follows the natural curves of the rock, forming levels of different heights. Untreated, raw concrete surfaces and beautifully patinated metallic details create an interesting contrast to the soft-toned wooden surfaces.
See also:
• Follow @lundhagem on Instagram >
• Arvinius + Orfeus Publishing Built by the Sea: Villas and Small Houses >
Text: Mira Ahola Images: Ivar Kvaal and Alexander Westberg
Published on 10 Aug, 2022
