Project: Villa Vatnan
Architects: Nordic Office of Architecture
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Area: 2,690 sf
Photographs by: Courtesy of Nordic Office of Architecture
Villa Vatnan by Nordic Office of Architecture
Designed and developed by the Nordic Office of Architecture, this beautiful project followed a simple architectural vision of the clients – the Vatnan family after which the Villa Vatnan project is named. The most demanding aspect of this project was the sloping site, which in turn provided stunning views of the Norwegian countryside.
Nordic — Office of Architecture was approached by the Vatnan family to deliver their dream home. They had a simple architectural vision, but a demanding site on which it was to be realized.
Located on the edge of an established residential area with limited access and a steep topography, the site does however offer fantastic views from the private and shielded south-west facade.
The family desired a home for both everyday life and entertaining, where the primary rooms are all collated on one floor with generous sizes and well resolved spatial relationships. By lifting this main floor up to one floor above the natural entrance level, we captured the best of the views and the sun. The elongated body of the house shelters against the wind and creates an open private outdoor space, while the bedrooms and living areas all have direct access to the garden via a covered terrace stretching the length of the house.
The simple concept is reinforced by the overall simplicity in use of materials. The entire main floor is covered in pine boards, and the living room, kitchen and terrace are clad in veneered oak. The concrete is sealed throughout the house, and the ceiling height of 2.8 meters further contributes to the experience of the house opening up towards the grand view to the south-west.
The basement and main deck are cast in concrete and the gable and long walls to the north-east are clad in cedar wood.
