Scan Magazine | Special Theme | The Best of Norwegian Leisure Homes
Notching walls of lasting value, character and soul Honing old Norwegian craft traditions and combining them with modern, soulful experiences is a key aim for Østlaft Bygg AS. According to this producer of quality log houses and cabins, the final construction is only part of the cabin-building experience. The rest? A carefully strung-together process of tailoring detailed blueprints, engaging in valuable dialogue and finally crafting the ultimate Norwegian dream: a quality leisure home of the finest traditional character.
the company also boasts the largest catalogue selection of log homes and cabins in Norway. This, combined with a booming market interest, Skarpnord explains, has called for an increased production capacity.
By Julie Lindén | Photos: Østlaft Bygg
“The reason behind the large production volume is definitely our comparatively new production facility, which could produce up to 120 units a year. Utilising such a large space allows for all operations to be streamlined and products inspected on-site,” she explains. “We’re also proud that we’ve been able to make a lot of improvements to equipment and products as quickly as needs have arisen; today we are market-leading when it comes to the density of our log work, something that adds a significant stamp of quality to a finished home.”
Østlaft Bygg AS has built and delivered log houses and cabins for 18 years, but since transferring to a new type of production line in 2003 the company has experienced a steady rise in production. The company’s own website describes the development as “a kind of fairy tale”, something general manager Anne-Lise Skarpnord underscores with enthusiasm. “Few producers in our industry live to see nearly two decades of uninterrupted production. Many fail to keep up with new legislation in construction standards, or simply the push and pull of market forces. I believe we’ve been 72 | Issue 83 | December 2015
ambitious but careful in our mission, emphasising organic growth but ultimately focusing on the product: the logs, the cabins. Streamlining production, delivering quality, maintaining and valuing the customer base – that’s what we’re about.”
Values in and behind the numbers Having delivered more than 450 constructions throughout the years, everything from cabins and homes to storehouses, annexes and garages, Østlaft Bygg AS boasts an impressive production potential. With over 100 construction models in their archives, 20 to 30 of which are current,
While the above numbers are nothing short of outstanding, Skarpnord is firm