make your fridays matter with a well-read weekend

 

Cabin Thunder Top in Norway has a 30-step accessible roof and a ski jump

Designed by Oslo-based Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter and inspired by the father of modern skiing, Sondre Norheim, the triangular wooden cabin offers views of a lake and plains.

by STIRworldPublished on : Sep 28, 2020

Designed by Oslo-based architecture firm Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter, a cabin was designed in the rolling fells of Hardangervidda mountain plateau in Norway. Cabin Thunder Top, as the project is called, is built on the periphery of the barren treeless moorland of Hardangervidda National Park - about 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by weather-beaten dwarf birches and heathers.

  • The stepped roof of the cabin offers picturesque views of the surroundings | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    The stepped roof of the cabin offers picturesque views of the surroundings Image: Ivar Kvaal
  • The façade is clad with untreated ore-pine | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    The façade is clad with untreated ore-pine Image: Ivar Kvaal

Described by the architects as “a man-made peak”, the triangular cabin has an accessible roof that gives panoramic views of the scenic surroundings. The roof of the cabin has been designed to create an ideal place to build a ski jump during winter, in the spirit of Sondre Norheim, known as the father of modern skiing. The cabin is an extension of an existing Norewegian-style log cabin owned by the client’s family at the edge of the plateau region.

The cabin is attached to the earlier log cabin through a glass hallway containing a wardrobe and a utility sink, with direct access to the outside. Inspired by the traditional open-hearth cottages, Cabin Thunder Top has been designed as one big room, with double ceiling height.

The cabin is an extension of an existing Norewegian-style log cabin owned by the client’s family | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
The cabin is an extension of an existing Norewegian-style log cabin owned by the client’s family Image: Ivar Kvaal

The design of the accessible roof has 30 steps from the ground to the top of the structure that brings sweeping views of the lake in one direction, and the plains of Hardangervidda in the other. The cabin design’s orientation shields the outdoor seating areas from the northern wind and blowing snow. The triangular shape prevents the snow from piling up on the south facing terrace, allowing the place for traditional Easter family gatherings when the temperatures rise and to feel the warmth of the Norwegian sun after a long winter.

  • Floor plan of Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    Floor plan of Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter Image: Courtesy of Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter
  • Section through Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    Section through Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter Image: Courtesy of Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter
  • Section through Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    Section through Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter Image: Courtesy of Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter

The entire space can be easily heated up with the help of a small wood stove. With multiple small nooks to hide away, the cabin functions as both a big family room and a place for some quietness with one’s favourite book. It also purposes as the family ateliér, workshop or weekend office.

  • Cabin Thunder Top has been designed as one big room, with double ceiling height | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    Cabin Thunder Top has been designed as one big room, with double ceiling height Image: Ivar Kvaal
  • The accessible roof has 30 steps from the ground to the top of the structure | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    The accessible roof has 30 steps from the ground to the top of the structure Image: Ivar Kvaal

The façade of the cabin is clad using a material that has been prevalent and long-standing in the region. The untreated ore-pine, commonly used in the medieval stave churches still standing after 900 years, covers the exterior of the Cabin Thunder Top. The window frames have been produced in untreated heartwood, and are practically maintenance free.

  • Cabin Thunder Top contains multiple small nooks to hide away | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    Cabin Thunder Top contains multiple small nooks to hide away Image: Ivar Kvaal
  • Window frames built in untreated heartwood | Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
    Window frames built in untreated heartwood Image: Ivar Kvaal

Cabin Thunder Top acts as a place to paint, write, read or simply enjoy the views and creates a playful atmosphere for the elders as well as kids to relish. Frequent visits by wild reindeer herds and grazing sheep add to the cheerful connect the cabin has with nature.

The triangular shape of the cabin prevents the snow from piling up on the south facing terrace| Cabin Thunder Top by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter | STIRworld
The triangular shape of the cabin prevents the snow from piling up on the south facing terrace Image: Ivar Kvaal

Project Details

Name: Cabin Thunder Top
Location: Telemark, Norway
Architect: Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter
Year: 2018
Area: 44 sqm
Contractor: Telemark Miljøbygg

What do you think?

About Author

Recommended

LOAD MORE
see more articles
4559,4578,4679,4724,4672

make your fridays matter

SUBSCRIBE
This site uses cookies to offer you an improved and personalised experience. If you continue to browse, we will assume your consent for the same.
LEARN MORE AGREE