sustainable wooden cabin

development settles harmoniously on

norwegian coast
oslo-based architecture firm spacegroup has introduced a sustainable cabin
development situated in hagefjorden, norway. the project comprises 16 wooden
structures that have been constructed with minimal intervention on the natural
terrain. with the pandemic outbreak limiting travelling activity for everyone, the
‘movikheien cabin’ complex makes for an attractive, approachable local
destination for all norwegians.

all images courtesy of spacegroup

the innovative zoning plan for the ‘movikheien’ project breaks the disturbing
pattern of oversized cabins with large carbon footprints, recklessly cutting
large swaths of forest, and grossly manipulating the terrain. spacegroup‘s
proposal is premised on a traditionally but forgotten ‘light-touch’: small units (64
m2), 100% wood construction, carefully placed in the landscape; environmentally
friendly, and socially inclusive.
typically in norway plots for cabin neighborhoods are completely partitioned
into sellable properties based on different value propositions. here, the cabins
stand on columns above the terrain, each one owning only their projected
footprints, while collectively sharing the landscape that connects them, providing
a basis for cultivating social capital while protecting the natural assets of the
region.
a major principle that was followed during the planning phase was that no
car access would be provided on the site. as roads require major terrain
intervention, such an operation on a particularly hilly, dense site, would turn out to
be highly destructive to the plot’s natural qualities. the design provides access to
the site via a hiking trail, designed on-location by walking (and mapping) the site
with the client, an arborist, a rock climber, and the architects. all building
components are of a dimension that can be easily transported and handled without
heavy machinery.
project info:

name: movikheien cabins

architects: spacegroup
location: hagefjorden, norway

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom