Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture Special – Norway
Tustna Ladestasjon – the charging station in the fjords.
Creating buildings that go hand in hand with the surroundings Sometimes the best architecture is that which goes with its surroundings like peas in a pod, creating a sense of compatibility and completeness. With this at heart, the architects at Arkitekturfabrikken have made their mark. Focusing on residential buildings, including houses, apartment blocks and cabins, the projects are all viewed in their greater context, whether located in the woods or in town. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Arkitekturfabrikken
In 2012, four eager architects set up the Trondheim-based architecture firm Arkitekturfabrikken, directly translating as ‘the architecture factory’. Their ambition was simple: to always take on projects that would challenge them. “We are incredibly humbled by the landscape and history surrounding each project, which we aim to incorporate into the buildings while also trying to foresee the future and how to best meet the time to come. Thus every single project is, and 46 | Issue 93 | October 2016
has to be, approached in different ways,” says partner Jens Bjørnstad.
‘Hytta i skogkanten’ – the cabin that connects At the core of the firm’s approach is their belief that the individual project is part of a much bigger project, being the neighbourhood or geographical specifications. One of these projects was named ‘Hytta’, a cabin situated far into the forest in northern Sweden. Being
one of the firm’s first projects, it is not only an interesting example but obviously one close to their hearts. “The cabin is located in the woods far from civilisation, with a small lake as its closest neighbour. We placed the cabin just where the forest opens up towards the lake, like a safe zone surrounding the building as well as creating an open place for socialising,” Bjørnstad says. “When you walk through the cabin it gives the same feeling as walking outside along the path out from the forest and towards the lake.”
Creating a resting place – Tustna Ladestasjon This approach has won them several commissions and some rather groundbreaking projects, including what was named Tustna Ladestasjon, translating as