Villa Vatnan | Nordic Office of Architecture

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.

photography by© visualis / m.c.herzog

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.

photography by© visualis / m.c.herzog

The simple concept is reinforced by the overall simplicity in the 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.
Product Description. Dinesen Oak wooden floor, 450mm width. Used on the whole upper main floor in all rooms – living, kitchen, and bedrooms, establishing the principle idea of one dominant floor for the whole family.

photography by© Espen Grønli

Project Info:
Architects: Nordic Office of Architecture
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Architect in Charge: John Arne Bjerknes
Area: 250.0 m2
Project Year: 2015
Photographs: visualis / m.c.herzog, Espen Grønli
Manufacturers: Dinesen, Rheinzink
Project Name: Villa Vatnan