Architecture

Rugged artists' retreat is wrapped in an eye-catching timber exterior

Rugged artists' retreat is wrapped in an eye-catching timber exterior
During the design process, the coastal site was carefully studied by Atelier Oslo to ensure the home would fit snugly into the landscape
During the design process, the coastal site was carefully studied by Atelier Oslo to ensure the home would fit snugly into the landscape
View 13 Images
During the design process, the coastal site was carefully studied by Atelier Oslo to ensure the home would fit snugly into the landscape
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During the design process, the coastal site was carefully studied by Atelier Oslo to ensure the home would fit snugly into the landscape
House on an Island is covered in a timber lattice that is designed to make the light inside dapple pleasantly
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House on an Island is covered in a timber lattice that is designed to make the light inside dapple pleasantly 
Steps lead up to House on an Island's rooftop
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Steps lead up to House on an Island's rooftop 
House on an Island's timber lattice is made from Kebony, a manufactured wood product that's meant to turn grey over time but will require no maintenance
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House on an Island's timber lattice is made from Kebony, a manufactured wood product that's meant to turn grey over time but will require no maintenance
A large concrete fireplace warms the House on an Island's open plan interior
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A large concrete fireplace warms the House on an Island's open plan interior
The fireplace has integrated seating and steps lead up to a raised platform
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The fireplace has integrated seating and steps lead up to a raised platform 
The interior of the House on an Island measures 70 sq m (753 sq ft)
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The interior of the House on an Island measures 70 sq m (753 sq ft)
The House on an Island includes bunk beds
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The House on an Island includes bunk beds
The House on an Island takes its place well in the rocky landscape
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The House on an Island takes its place well in the rocky landscape
The House on an Island is defined by its eye-catching latticed timber
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The House on an Island is defined by its eye-catching latticed timber 
The interior of the House on an Island overlooks the sea
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The interior of the House on an Island overlooks the sea
The House on an Island's rooftop is accessible by steps
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The House on an Island's rooftop is accessible by steps
The House on an Island takes its place well in the rocky landscape
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The House on an Island takes its place well in the rocky landscape
View gallery - 13 images

Atelier Oslo was commissioned to design a vacation home in Skåtøy Island, Norway, for an artist couple who wanted a place for quiet contemplation and a space to work. In response, the firm created an appealing retreat wrapped in an eye-catching timber structure that filters the light and frames the view.

During the design process of the aptly-named House on an Island, the coastal site was studied by Atelier Oslo to ensure that the home would fit snugly into the landscape.

"The topography of the site was carefully measured to integrate the rocks into the project," says Atelier Oslo. "Concrete floors in different levels connect to the main levels of the topography and create a variety of different outdoor spaces. The concrete floors and stairs dissolve the division of inside and outside. The interior becomes part of the landscape and walking in and around the cabin gives a unique experience, where the different qualities from the site becomes part of the architecture."

The prefabricated timber exterior is made from Kebony, a manufactured wood product that's meant to weather over time but will require no maintenance. The firm likens the dappled sunlight that the timber creates inside to the experience of sitting under a tree.

A large concrete fireplace warms the House on an Island's open plan interior
A large concrete fireplace warms the House on an Island's open plan interior

The interior of the home measures 70 sq m (753 sq ft) and has a simple material palette of concrete and wood. A concrete fireplace takes pride of place and warms the open plan living, dining and kitchen areas, and has an integrated sofa and raised platform area. Also nearby are bunkbeds.

A small annex creates a sheltered outdoor space and the exterior of the home features wooden steps that lead up to the rooftop, offering choice views of the stunning Norwegian landscape.

Source: Atelier Oslo

View gallery - 13 images
5 comments
5 comments
cncguru
Yeah,we get it, it's a house on an island!
Grunchy
My prediction is it will soon be full of birds nests which is going to attract rodents and such. My personal opinion: disaster. Luckily you can fix that up pretty quick with a wrecking bar followed by vinyl siding.
Brooke
Kindling
Marco McClean
If those were all incidental end-scraps from some other construction and not good lumber just chopped up in bits, okay. Or put it on the inside and you'd have a whole library of useful bookshelves.
Nik
Two thoughts came to mind. The outside looks like a bad unfinished DIY drywall project, and the inside looks like an unfinished warehouse. I hope the architect gave his services for free!