Wooden Cottage on Cliffside in Norway

Wooden Cottage on Cliffside in Norway

© Pasi Aalto

Located on a cliffside island in Norway, the k.21 Skardsøya cottage was designed by TYIN tegnestue Architects. With a modest size and area of 60 square meters, it stands out for its eco-friendliness in terms of both materials used and low energy consumption.

The building sits in a boggy landscape, near coastal cliffs and sparse pine trees with juniper bushes. A key project factor was avoiding harsh interference in this natural environment, as the consequences of such disruption are extremely slow to reverse. The cottage is situated 21 meters above sea level, at a hundred meters from the shore. The structure rests on a concrete foundation, with its main part consisting of a timber frame with ceiling beams.

The house is arranged over three different levels, which allows for a reduced height and emphasizes the connection between interior space and the surrounding landscape. From various angles, the building is perceived differently. From the west, the cottage appears quite tall, whereas from the east it seems lower. The entrance to the house is near the annex, and the gallery roof between them protects it from rain and wind.

Externally, the cottage is clad in spruce timber harvested from a forest owned by the clients. Its raw wood ages quickly, acquiring a shimmering silvery tone. External details are kept to a minimum to allow the patina to uniformly cover the walls.

Photography: Pasi Aalto