Selestranda House | bark arkitekter

Selestranda House designed by bark arkitekter, At Sele, on the southwest coast of Norway, a fifty-year-old cottage by architect Atle Sørby needed a total renovation and reorganization. It was essential to recreate the cabin with a modernized standard, and balancing this need with a respectful approach towards the original architecture.

Photography by © Lise Bjelland

Built in ’61, the architecture contains a symbiosis of elements referencing modernist and local architecture. The main volume’s pitched roof with pulled down gables is a reinterpretation of the traditional «Jærhus», a housing typology typical for the region, adapted through centuries to withstand harsh local weather conditions.

Photography by © Lise Bjelland

Two volumes make up the cottage. The new annex contains a bedroom, a bathroom, and a storage room while the main volume now only consists of one large common room, with a shared kitchen, eating and living area.

Photography by © Lise Bjelland

The surrounding landscape is relatively flat, consisting of long sloping fields, dunes, and beaches, only separated by narrow roads and old drystone walls. Because it is situated in a landscape-preservation area, close to the shoreline, the local government paid close attention to the building process.

Photography by © Lise Bjelland

Local craftsmen carried out every part of the operation, which required substantial tailored solutions. The roof tiles, coming from local brick-factories in Sandnes, were carefully taken down, stored and put up again, one by one. In the common room, the walls and ceiling have been taken down, creating and an open, airy space. Standing there, gazing through the ribbon window, one has a panoramic view across the moody North-Sea horizon.

Photography by © Lise Bjelland

Project Info:
Architects: bark arkitekter
Location: Time, Norway
Architect in Charge: Katrine Grimnes
Area: 88.0 m2
Project Year: 2016
Photographs: Lise Bjelland
Manufacturers: Minera, E.W. Andersen, Hamran Kjøkken, Riska Sagbruk, Vikeså Trevare
Project Name: Selestranda House