A pine house by the mountain birches

Located in the steep mountain terrain of Ottsjö, our first ever architectural project is now completed. Created for a young couple with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, the house is carefully placed into its surroundings while still holding its own clear and distinct expression.

The architectural design consists of three identical pitched-roof volumes, interlinked yet offset to capture the stunning mountain views to the west. This arrangement allows the house to naturally follow the undulating terrain, creating a fluid and intuitive floor plan.

Each volume serves a distinct function, ensuring a balance between shared and private spaces. The internal connection is facilitated by a central footbridge, allowing for both physical and vocal access throughout the entire home. The result is an highly social living environment, offering maximum functionality despite its minimal footprint.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the identity of the house. We put a lot of effort in finding the right materials and craftsmen locally, both for the sustainability aspect but also to make sure we designed a house that works well in the face of Ottsjö’s demanding climate. The exterior is clad in untreated Norrland heartwood, arranged in varying panel widths to create a subtle variation in the facade. We aslo use Norwegian marble that is sourced from just across the mountain, a local and beautiful stone that fits just right together with the pine.

This project represents our evolution as creators, bringing our experience in interiors into a broader architectural vision. It is an exploration of how space, function, and materiality can work together in the context of the surrounding wild nature. A house that fills the needs of the people living there today and that will be a contribution to the village of Ottsjö and the site itself for generations to come.