Project: Villa Bergheimveien
Architects: Skapa as
Location: Baerum, Norway
Area: 2,906 sf
Photographs by: Herman Dreyer
Villa Bergheimveien by Skapa as
Villa Bergheimveien, located in Baerum, Norway, is a stunning example of how existing houses can be transformed into modern, sustainable homes. Skapa as, the architects behind the renovation, focused on emphasizing the stereotypical gabled shape of the Moelven prefabricated house, while transforming the façade and roof materials to cedar wood to create a defined volume that represents contemporary architecture. The natural surroundings played a key role in the design process, as the site’s location and elements informed the interior space organization, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside.
One of the most notable additions is the living space that the residents use diligently. The material and design language were adapted from the character of the main house, but the structures are lower and more open to create a natural hierarchy. The outdoor space and volumes appear as a modern cluster court, forming a natural gathering place for the family. With a focus on sustainable measures and solutions, Villa Bergheimveien serves as a reminder of the possibilities that existing structures and spaces hold when given a contemporary twist.
The architectural potential that lies in an existing house and structure has been the base and driving force in the work with this Moelven prefabricated house. The house in the waterfront has been transformed into a spacious and modern house for a family that wanted to create a home for the future. In order to continue and emphasize the stereotypical gabled shape of the Moelven house, the main focus has been to remove roof eaves and transform the façade- and roof materials to cedar wood. Hidden gutters and scarce transitions create a defined volume that represents the architecture of our time inspired by the everyday house.
The existing space division has been transformed and adapted to the way of living. The site’s location and natural elements have been a key factor for the inside space design and organization. Opening the house to the magnificent view makes the feeling of distinction between the inside and outside is transparent and you experience the change of nature in light, weather and seasons from the inside. An addition to the existing structure is a living space that the residents use diligently. The material choice and design language are adapted from the character of the main house, but the structures are lower and more open to form a natural hierarchy.
The material choice and design language are adapted from the character of the main house, but the structures are lower and more open to form a natural hierarchy. In the interaction between the main house, new addition and the site, the outdoor space, and the volumes appear as a modern cluster court and have become a natural gathering place for the family. At a time when sustainable measures and solutions should play the crucial part of today’s architecture, this transformed residence is a comment on how to use the qualities and values that are in existing structures and spaces.
