This project, called Gunnar’s House, is set among the forest of a residential area in Os i Østerdalen, Norway. It’s been designed by a local architecture firm who go by the name of Huus Og Heim Arkitektur. They were responsible for the overall delivery of the clients dream forest home.
From the outset the architects were asked to maintain as much as possible of the original forest site. They also had to ensure that the new home wouldn’t spoil the character of the area, but rather blend in among it. Their solution was to build a contemporary wood-frame home.
Despite its contemporary appearance, the house was built using a traditional framing method with 6″ post and beam construction. From the outside, there are no give-aways as to the construction method but on the inside timber frame is left exposed, providing character, an element of charm and some warmth.
The house is relatively simple in form – a gable-end home which cantilevers slightly beyond its foundations on both ends. The interior is divided up around the timber structure. The grid of 3-by-3 meter sections helped to inform the rooms of the home.
The first floor is divided up between the main living area (containing a kitchen/dining space and a living room), a generous bathroom and a bedroom. A small recessed deck runs adjacent to the living room. On the second floor there’s another bedroom, along with a lounge and a small balcony.
The first floor kitchen/dining area is open to the roof above, with windows running up to the eaves that shower the space in natural light. The entire home, which encompasses an area of 915 square feet (85 square meters) is heated by a single wood-burning stove.
For more cabins check out Tye Haus, a cozy A-frame cabin that’s set among the woods of Skykomish. Or, “Out of the Valley’s” idyllic getaway from Devon, England. See all cabins.
Via ArchDaily
Photos: Huus Og Heim Arkitektur
aesthetically pleasing. I think the access to the bathroom (for guests) compromises the plan.
I like the place but several problems that I do see. No railing on the stairs. Easy to fall and injure yourself and no railing on the loft sections either. While living overseas, I lived in a loft. I liked it but have railing across the open area in a loft especially if it is a small area, so people will not fall. I had a friend who did fall from a loft. I do not remember if he died or was just injured but I definitely would not like that to happen to someone so put up the railings on stairs and across the loft whether a solid materials such as wood or stone or concrete blocks or metal railings .
Mary J
I agree with your concern about railings on the stairs and the loft. And I am reading this in 2017, almost 2 years after you wrote your comment. But I want to give you an opportunity to clarify your comment about your friend who fell from a loft. Surely you would know whether a friend has died. I know there must be some explanation for your not knowing, and would like to give you an opportunity to explain why you may not actually know. Perhaps the person was not actually a friend, but someone you heard about.