In the 1940s, the enchanting island of Henningsvær in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago played host to a factory for cod liver oil production and carpentry. The factory has now evolved into a vibrant hotel and cultural hub focused on wellbeing and leisure, in a fitting bid to the transformative power of adaptive reuse. The journey of Trevarefabrikken from dilapidation to revitalisation shows a deep commitment to community collaboration, sustainability and the celebration of natural beauty surrounding sites such as these.

In 2014, four friends recognised the potential of the defunct and neglected factory and purchased it with a vision to create a cultural meeting place for both locals and tourists. Their ambition was to restore the building and breathe new life into it by fostering a deeper sense of community. With the support of family, local craftspeople and volunteers, they embarked on a gradual transformation that would redefine the site’s purpose.

In 2019, the owners enlisted London-based Tuckey Design Studio to lead the architectural redesign. With recent projects like the transformation of a 200-year-old farmstead into a modern home under their belt, the studio stood to be an ideal choice for this project. Studio Tuckey's challenge on the other hand came to be compartmentalising the expansive open-plan factory floor while preserving its industrial character. Dan Stilwell, Project Co-Lead said, “It was imperative that we articulated domestic spaces that were comfortable, cosy and welcoming, yet referenced the industrial past of the factory building. An example of this can be found in the bedrooms where original shuttered concrete soffits are mirrored in the warming hue of floorboards and joinery.”

The design features three main areas: corridors, guest rooms and social spaces. The corridors were intentionally left understated, allowing them to resonate with Norway's seasonal cycles. Transom windows above guest room doors provide light that reflects off resin-polished concrete floors, reminiscent of calm sea evenings. Original machinery remains visible in these corridors, serving as a reminder of the factory's history.

The guest rooms are situated within the existing concrete structure on the first floor. Each room transitions from dark to light, showcasing retained industrial details alongside bespoke timber joinery. A palette of seafoam green and cream softens the space while large windows frame breathtaking views of the rugged landscape outside. All timber elements of the hospitality architecture—furniture, panelling and shutters—were sourced locally, reinforcing Trevarefabrikken's commitment to supporting regional economies.

The exciting hospitality design also cleverly exposes existing services while concealing new ones behind, with a particularly interesting example being the timber bedside panels. This approach maintains an illusion of minimal intervention while celebrating the building's historical fabric. Unique features such as red-framed glazed lanterns and dark, glossy bathroom interiors contrast with warm sleeping spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.

Trevarefabrikken is designed not only as a retreat but also as a social hub where visitors can gather and connect. The Trandamperiet wine bar and restaurant occupies what was once the cod liver oil production area. This space is characterised by abundant natural light streaming through large windows that overlook the Vestfjorden sea. “Natural light is essential to the atmosphere of the hotel's interiors, especially with the drama of the contrasting seasonal arctic circle light. We utilised clerestory windows in the bedrooms that permeate daylight into the central communal corridors. Elsewhere, full-height windows in the restaurant do justice to the otherworldly Lofton archipelago views,” elaborates Stilwell. The design takes advantage of existing apertures to frame these stunning views as part of the decor itself.

To foster a communal atmosphere, Trandamperiet features long dining tables made from sustainably sourced larch wood from nearby islands. This choice reflects both, the development's ecological responsibility and Trevarefabrikken's dedication to local craftsmanship.

Sustainability is woven into several aspects of Trevarefabrikken's design. Acoustic insulation has been installed on guest room floors, walls and roofs to enhance comfort for guests staying in this historic building. Triple glazing throughout improves energy efficiency while preserving original architectural elements. Careful preservation techniques were employed for existing timber floors; any damaged sections were replaced with poured concrete that echoes the factory’s original construction methods.

"Character and sustainability went hand in hand, with locally sourced materials and craftsmanship used for the entire project. This meant transport emissions were minimised and local tradespeople were employed throughout the duration of construction,” says Stilwell while elaborating on how the studio balanced their sustainable design approach and the original character of the building. 

The ongoing development includes plans for additional event spaces on the second floor, which remains a work in progress. The flexibility of the adaptive reuse allows for future adaptations to the hotel design based on community needs and visitor feedback. The transformation of Trevarefabrikken, in more ways than one, focused on revitalising a physical space, while also fostering educational experiences for those involved in its construction. Local builders, friends and volunteers participated actively in carpentry work, creating joinery and furniture that reflected their skills and creativity. This collaborative effort seems to have thus strengthened ties within the community while ensuring that Trevarefabrikken serves as an economic asset for Henningsvær. The project has also inspired annual events like Trevarefest, a music and cultural festival that further cements Trevarefabrikken's role as a cultural hub within Lofoten.

Trevarefabrikken, as an architectural intervention foremost, and a social, cultural one after, is representative of what can be achieved through thoughtful design and community collaboration. Its evolution highlights the importance of preserving historical memory while embracing modern functionality, flexibility and multiplicity in purpose required of most structures today. The careful selection of materials, attention to detail and respect for existing architecture have created a space that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.

As it continues to grow and adapt, Trevarefabrikken embodies a model for future developments focused on sustainability, community engagement and cultural connectivity. By blending old-world charm with contemporary needs, it offers an inspiring vision for how abandoned spaces, especially industrial architecture, can be reimagined into thriving centres of activity and connection within their communities.

Project Details

Name: Trevarefabrikken
Location: Henningsvaer, Norway
Typology: Adaptive Reuse
Client: .A.
Architect: Tuckey Design Studio
Design Team: Ryuta Hirayama, Dan Stilwell (Project Leaders)