The Bolder by Snøhetta

The Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta has developed a special project on the Lysefjord: The Bolder cabins seem to float above the ground and merge with nature. Read more about the four huts here.

The Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta is known for creating a dialog between landscape and architecture. The recently completed project The Bolder on the Lysefjord in western Norway shows what this can look like: It consists of four huts raised above the ground. According to the architecture firm, they are designed to harmonize as much as possible with the surrounding nature in order to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The project began in 2020 and was born out of the desire to create a special and authentic experience in which nature plays the main role. A total of four huts were created. They are called Stylten, Myra, Stjerna and Eldhuset.

Each cabin offers an exceptional view of the Lysefjord and the surrounding nature. The first three cabins are 38 square meters each, while Eldhuset measures 60 square meters. The cabins can be booked as vacation homes. On the outside, the Bolder cabins are made of red cedar wood. Oak wood was used inside. Concrete pillars raise each cabin above the ground, and the generous glass façades offer panoramic views and convey the feeling of being close to nature. Snøhetta’s aim with this project was to preserve nature. The aim is also to create the feeling of an untouched landscape.

By minimizing the footprint on the environment, the Bolder cabins succeed in interrupting nature on site as little as possible. Visitors should be able to enjoy a feeling of weightlessness, admire the view and relax in one of the cabins after a day of hiking by the fjord. To emphasize the tranquility of nature inside the cabins as well, the architects chose a minimalist design with furniture made from natural, durable materials in earthy colors and organic textures. The well thought-out interior design emphasizes the meditative flow that the space creates.

Each hut has a first floor with a bed and a bathroom and an upper floor with a kitchen and dining area. Wood, marble and leather are the dominant materials. The concrete floor on the lower floor is intended to give the decor a rugged touch. To imitate the surrounding nature with its pine trees and granite stones, Snøhetta decided to use wood and concrete from the surrounding area. The trees that were felled for the construction were used in other parts of the project and the granite that was cut from the ground served as a base for the concrete.

In order to offer visitors an experience close to nature, the huts also focus on the various views and the quality of the materials used. The huts therefore have a natural skylight and large glass surfaces. This means that the interior is inspired by the natural color spectrum in different ways depending on the time of day and the weather. The roofs of the huts are mirrored on the underside. This creates the impression of an object detached from the ground, a wooden nest hovering over the edge of the cliffs. The asymmetrical arrangement also reinforces the feeling of weightlessness.

With The Bolder, Snøhetta succeeds in merging the interior and exterior spaces into a unified form. Even from the bed, you have an unobstructed view of the ever-changing surroundings. And the subdued, neutral lights provide sufficient illumination to make out the surroundings even after sunset. Apart from the electricity that powers the lights and facilities in the huts, The Bolder is independent of the grid. Natural spring water from a sewage treatment plant serves as the water supply. Over the next few years, two further buildings are to be completed as part of the Bolder project on the Lysefjord, a lounge and a gourmet restaurant with locally sourced ingredients. The cabins can already be booked for overnight stays.

On the occasion of our Curated issue with Snøhetta in June 2021, we spoke to Snøhetta about the work of the Norwegian architecture studio. The issue curatedby Snøhetta is available here.