Nordic Noir: 7 Scandinavian Homes Enveloped in Black

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Scandinavian architecture finds beauty in simple, functional spaces. Through clean lines, angular structures and minimalist principles, well-executed Scandinavian homes employ acute design to make daily life increasingly comfortable and uncomplicated. Enveloped in black — a deliberate shade both powerful and elegant — each of the following projects harnesses this guiding ideology. However, when fusing traditional, rustic and modern design elements, such simplicity hardly equates to forfeiting wit and subtly in design.

The following architects create living environments that are digestible and democratic, yet unapologetically majestic. Having flourished as a response to the region’s long and dark winters, throughout the following collection we witness smart designs that seek to optimize bonds with the surrounding landscape and minimize building footprint. Including massive bedroom vistas that offer unhindered views of the northern lights and the world’s first Active House, regardless of unpredictable light or climate conditions, these homes recess into their terrain with ease.

Cabin Vindheim by Vardehaugen, Oslo, Norway

Situated deep in Norway’s alpine forests is Cabin Vindheim, a residence inspired by the instinctual will to blur the division between architecture and nature. Finished with black-stained pine and 13-foot-long windows, in this cabin one may sleep scanning the tree line or even gazing towards the stars and northern lights.

Home for Life by aart, Aarhus, Denmark

Planned as the world’s first Active House, Home for Life displays a necessary commitment to sustainable architecture and a low carbon future. Every aspect of the design seeks to optimize impact on the residents and surrounding landscape.

Villa Kettukallio by Playa Architects, Hirvensalmi, Finland

Situated between forested cliffs and a steep lakeside beach, Villa Kettukallio is intentionally closed off from the ominous forest and oriented in the direction of the water. Painted with black distemper paint, the building’s façade blends with the shadows of the pine forest. In contrast, interior surfaces are composed of untreated domestic wood, including birch, pine and common alder.

Villa Wallin by Erik Andersson Architects, Yxlan, Sweden

At Villa Wallin, Erik Andersson Architects have designed an archetypal house, strictly defined by the proportion of 1:3. Clad in horizontal pine panels, the exterior of the house is painted black with Falu Rödfärg, a traditional Swedish paint that dates back to the 16th century.

Roof House by Leth and Gori, Fredensborg, Denmark

Situated on an expansive tree-filled site in Fredensborg, Leth and Gori completely transformed an existing villa. The project involved a complete redesign of the façade, creating a renewed exterior with increased energy efficiency and larger openings for light filtration. With asphalt roll roofing and a brick façade, the new construction is entirely wrapped in black.

House Husarö by Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, Sweden

Hidden amongst tall pines in the outer Stockholm archipelago, this project is placed on a plateau clearing, which faces north towards the sea. House Husarö is entirely clad with folded black sheet metal that seamlessly integrates and yields to the position of the windows.

Cabin Vardehaugen by Vardehaugen, Trondheim, Norway

Located by a fjord in central Norway, the landscape adjacent to Cabin Vardehaugen is dominated by sea, rock, heath and a temperamental coastal climate. The curved cabin is posed as a mountain fox curled up to avoid the cold wind, which helps define atriums and shelters throughout the outdoor spaces.

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