Cabin Ryfylke | Pir II Oslo + Resell Arkitektur

Designed by Pir II Oslo + Resell Arkitektur, The cabin is situated in gently sloping terrain on a lush small island northeast of Stavanger. The island has no road connection to the mainland, and all building materials have therefore been taken over by boat.

photography by © Olav Resell

The enclosing form is chosen to create a protected and sunny outdoor space with views over the fjord to the south. In this area of the country, the general rule is that winds from the north bring clear skies and sunny weather. On the south side of the cabin, one is thus protected against the strongest winds during good weather.

photography by © Olav Resell

The cabins common spaces, such as living room, dining room, and kitchen caters onto this side, while the majority of bedrooms and wet rooms are located on the opposite side, where they lie sheltered facing the forest.
The cabin has an upper level, accessible via stairs from the kitchen/entrance area, designed for different kinds of use. The outer room is strongly connected to the other common spaces, while the inner is a separate unit. Window openings have been made in roof and walls to ensure visual contact with the fjord and the surroundings.

photography by © Olav Resell

The client wanted maximum utilization of the permissible built-up area and had specific requirements as for how many people would be able to stay at the cabin simultaneously. In order to meet these wishes the amount of areas only used for movement is reduced to a minimum, while the entire upper level has a height that makes these areas not included in the total square footage. Furthermore, the design of integrated and space-saving solutions for beds, cupboards and other storage has made it possible to create compact, yet versatile spaces.
A Norwegian slate stone is used on the outer shape of the facade, while counter-sunken areas of the facade are clad with a wooden paneling. The diamond shaped slate is stretched longitudinally and format sizes are pushed towards the maximum of what is possible to extract. The slate is dark grey/black and contains iron, which gives a natural color changing play under different weather and lighting conditions.

photography by © Olav Resell

The wooden cladding is made of acetylated wood, which has a stability that has made it possible to work with a very high level of precision in all transitions without the danger of movement and displacement.
Ash is chosen as the main interior material, and it is used in various forms: as paneling on ceiling and walls, plywood on walls and solid furnishings, and as solid wood flooring on the upper floor. The floors on the ground floor are made of polished concrete with integrated water heating.
A key element in the cabin is the concrete structure in the living room. It is cast with horizontal paneling formwork and houses a wood burning stove that functions as a fireplace when open and as an oven when closed. The structure acts as a heat storage element in the cabin.

Section BB

Project Info:
Architects: Pir II Oslo, Resell Arkitektur
Location: Jørpeland, Norway
Architect in Charge: Olav Resell
Area: 120.0 m2
Project Year: 2014
Photographs: Olav Resell
Manufacturers: Accoya, INNTEC
Project Name: Cabin Ryfylke