Day-trip cabin Hovdenuten

Bykle kommune, Agder, Norway

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Day-trip cabin Hovdenuten

Bykle kommune, Agder, Norway

Firm

Aksent arkitekter AS

Type

Hospitality + Sport › Information Center
Cultural › Observation Tower Pavilion
Educational › Other

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SIZE

0 sqft - 1000 sqft

BUDGET

$100K - 500K

Complying with nature

The daytrip cabin in Hovdenuten is the culmination
point of a collaborative project between the municipality
of Bykle and SVR (protected areas in Setesdal Vesthei,
Ryfylkeheiane and Frafjordheiane).

The newly finished sherpa stairs helps to canalize the
flow of visitants to the top of Hovdenuten. From there
is possible to look at the protected area of Hovden, an
important winter grazing area for the wild reindeer.
The project is inspired by retaining walls (bakkemur)
typically found in hilly areas where they serve to terrace
the steep terrain. The materials requested by the
municipality were stone, steel and glass. Stone was
picked due to the project’s location in the mountains,
steel reflects the history of Hovden of iron extraction,
while glass symbols the modern. Following a few talks
with the municipality we settled on replacing steel with
wood. The final choice of materials was concrete covered
with a stonewall, wooden beams, columns and
ceiling, and a glass front. The roof is covered with turf
collected from the area, creating a similar foliage to
those of the surroundings. Stonewalls were considered
inside, too, but eventually concrete casting was chosen
along with wooden formwork. The aim was to showcase
the wooden structure within the concrete.

The intention behind its shape is that the cabin will be
perceived as a continuation of the terrain. Still, at the
same time Hovdenuten suffers harsh weather and
temperatures, and its aerodynamic form renders the
wind less resistance. Also, the shape resembles an eye
gazing towards the habitats of the wild reindeer herds.

The rear façade where the entrance sits, is closed. It
establishes a contrast to the panorama view that immediately
unrolls the moment of entering the cabin.
The habitat of the wild reindeers is framed, making it
the focal point.

Geometrically speaking, the shape consists of a simple
intersection of three cylinders: roof, front and rear
facades. Yet, in terms of their design, each one of the
wooden columns and beams are unique.

Product Spec Sheet

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Team

Erick Allende

Project leader architecture

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Day-trip cabin Hovdenuten

Bykle kommune, Agder, Norway

Day-trip cabin Hovdenuten

Bykle kommune, Agder, Norway

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team