Overlooking the Kattegat waters to the East of Denmark and the scenic hills surrounding it, the design approach by Copenhagen-based Norm Architects reflects tranquillity in both form and function. Embracing the old footprint of a former structure on the site, and utilising the site slopes, Norm Architects have been empathetic to the rather sensitive context the new structure is situated in. The entrance vistas capitalise on the serenity around and transpose this aspect onto the interior space as well. “What's inside you is a projection of what's outside,” an adage that was philosophised by Haruki Murakami, seems to be embodied throughout the design. 

A harmonious melange of wood, right from its façade to its walls and flooring resonates simplicity and oneness with the wilderness around. Occupying the span of two gables, the wooden retreat is positioned in a way that maximises its exterior views. Slats of cedar wood have been used to dictate a vertically delineated and stratified façade across the entire structure. This natural skin is touted to patinate into a near metallic, silvery hue over time that seeks to blend the house within its context further. 

The pointed gabled roofs seem to create a sense of contrast with its subtle and undulating context, while the sedum plantations atop them help mask this human intervention. The addition of a secluded atrium creates a vantage point to enjoy the serenity in private. Overall, the structure’s form emerges as a unified conjuncture of harmony and contrast.  

Wooden architecture has been among the core principles of Danish architecture and homes. Apart from its visual appeal and functionality, the use of wood, especially for walls and flooring, creates a tactile and sensory experience that brings in another tangible connection to the outside. The entire house is well insulated by lye-treated Douglas Fir planks from Dinesen, a bespoke Denmark-based wood manufacturer. The tactility and physical perception of design—to the touch—in keeping with the traditionalism of Danish design, seems to be a recurring trait for Norm Architects, as visible in several of their projects.   

"A light tone-in-tone material palette creates an airy, open feel that bathes the interior in a soft, diffused light," says Sofie Bak, architect at Norm Architects. A careful selection of muted tones for the furnishings further balances the minimalistic forethought. With a mix of formal and informal seating, the living room has open storage racks to help declutter the space while also doubling up as a bookshelf. "Amplifying natural light and thus highlighting the transitions of day in a subtle manner has been a key design driver in the project," concludes Bak on the project’s core philosophies. One can indulge in a book while enjoying the scenic panoramas through the floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames one end of the gable, or while walking through the uninterrupted vistas that abut the longitudinal sectional profile of the house. 

To mitigate interior clutter that could hinder the primary motive of having a permanent connection to the outside, the interior spaces exude a minimalistic outlook. The main living den primarily consists of earthy tones of wood and brick. The intentional addition of traditional brick flooring embraces the traditionality of Danish residential architecture, while the neutral tone of textures within adds another layer of calmness to the space. In contrast to generic wooden architecture that emphasises joinery, the house makes its details seamless.    

"We've wanted to create a space that lasts, rather than succumbing to passing trends or construction shortcuts,” says Peter Eland, architect and partner at Norm Architects. Capitalising on its contextual relevance makes the design concept strive for timelessness, while the use of wood from the ground up reinforces the structure to stand against weathering and time. “Every joint, connection, and detail are intentional and finely tuned, each playing a specific role to serve a larger whole that engages with us on an emotional and practical level,” adds Eland, describing the specifications and how care was taken to ensure they were met.

The kitchen consists of a silver travertine island with an attached breakfast counter. Set right across the monolith Dolomite plaster-walled fireplace, the space is elevated from the living area, employing an open kitchen concept that additionally opens out to the deck designed to take in the scenic blue waters of Kattegat.

The more intimate spaces also capitalise on the exterior views. For instance, a small dipping pool in one of the bathrooms frames a view of the lush green exterior through a fixed clear height glazing, while the shower area is illuminated by a skylight. Additionally, an outdoor shower area accentuates the connection to the rustic outdoors. All the bathrooms have a plastered wall finish except for the outdoor shower, made of wood. 

“The essence of designing for well-being lies not in grandiose expressions or ostentatious features but in cultivating a harmonious environment.” states an official release from Norm Architects, reflecting on the underlying principles of the house. With the conscious choice of form and material, the house imbibes its contextual presence holistically. The Heatherhill Beach House thus emerges as a typical example of Nordic minimalism that also proposes a thought to contemplate as designers—are we headed towards a buzzing trend of sustainable consciousness, or does it come full circle where we delve back into more age-tested ways of design and construction?