These Architects Are Reinventing Traditional Norwegian Log Cabins

Few things are more typically Norwegian than resting in a wooden cabin part-way through a long hike or cross-country skiing tour. There are many thousands of cabins all over Norway, ranging from simple wooden huts to family-sized lodges with all the mod-cons.

In recent years, Scandinavian architects have been busy reinventing the concept of a hytte—as such cabins are known in Norwegian—using modern design trends and eco-friendly materials while remaining true to the rich traditions of cabin life. Here are some of the most notable.

Recalling traditional methods

Resting almost five feet above the ground on 45 wooden columns, this three-bedroom cabin was designed by Casper and Lexie Mork-Ulnes for their own family.

The architects call the project a “site-specific response to the context and the cultural landscape” of Kvitfjell. Sheep and cows sometimes graze on the native grasses underneath the raised structure, which references traditional Norwegian building methods from centuries past.

The exterior is clad with Skigard—long, roundpole logs traditionally used as diagonal fencing by Norwegian farmers.

Preserving the landscape

This compact family cabin in Røldal, Norway, was designed by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter to preserve as much of the surrounding landscape as possible. As such, it was split into a main cabin and nearby annex, which also provides the family with flexibility.

Both wooden cabins feature sloped undersides due to the steep terrain, while one large glazed wall in place of windows makes the most of the forest views.

The architects have also contributed to the architecture element of Norway’s national scenic routes program of road improvements, most notably the visitor center and walkways of the Trollstigen mountain pass.

A modern Arctic refuge

It’s not just private cabin owners that are experimenting with modern design. Norway’s Trekking Association (DNT) owns and operates a nationwide network of cabins in all shapes and sizes. The local DNT organization in Hammerfest wanted a new cabin concept to encourage more hiking in the mountains surrounding the town in the far north of Norway.

Spinn Arkitekter designed Varden, a wooden cabin with a honeycomb-like structure, in collaboration with Format Engineers. It has an “organic” prefabricated framework to echo its rugged arctic setting while facilitating installation and withstanding harsh polar winters.

The rounded shape stays naturally free of snow, reduces wind pressure, and is a material-efficient way to build. The door is set back to help keep snow at bay, while a mall wood fired stove provides heat and light to the cozy interior.

Designing to withstand storms

On Christmas Day 2011, Cyclone Dagmar caused severe damage to large parts of central Norway. The storm knocked down hundreds of communication masts, cut power to a major gas processing plant and destroyed the tourist lodge at Tungestølen.

Given the popularity of its location among hikers keen to see Norway’s Jostedalen glacier, the local DNT organization raised funds for a replacement in the local community. Architecture studio Snøhetta won the design competition.

During the design process, Snøhetta took into account the potential of a repeat storm alongside the diverse needs of hikers. Regular users of the previous lodge included serious hikers looking for overnight accommodation through to families with young children out for a short walk.

The result is a cluster of pentagonal buildings with angles designed to deflect wind. Overnight accommodation is split between a shared dormitory and a stylish private unit.

“The pentagonal shapes of the cabins stand out from traditional Norwegian cabin design. Although the colours and materials of Tungestølen are inspired by other surrounding cabins, these new cabins represent something new and also surprising,” senior architect Anne Cecilie Haug told Dezeen.

Your own modern cabin

Of course, not everyone can afford to pay an architect to design a cabin from scratch. Snøhetta has also collaborated with Rindalshytter, the oldest producer of ready-made timber cabins in Norway.

The result of the collaboration—the Gapahuk concept—is shaped to fit any terrain in any direction, by the sea, on a mountain or in the woods. Open at both ends to fill the cabin with light throughout the day, the cabin is designed around common areas, both inside and out.

“We were inspired by the simple life in nature, laying yourself down on the ground and stretching a simple roof over the top to create shelter from the weather,” said Haug.