Strusshamn

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Strusshamn

Strusshamn is a
village on the southwest side of Askøy, an island outside of Bergen on the west
coast of Norway, with strong ties to the ocean. The fjord was both
communications due to lack of roads and economic resource. When this changed
and the car became the most important way of communication two village centres
developed without a clear connection to each other.

The site in
Strusshamn is a former boat building factory for Viksund Boats that was bought
by the municipality to make a new zoning plan to avoid heavy industry to be
established in the future in the old, preserved harbour environment. In our
study we are looking for a way to connect the two parts of Strusshamn together.
By simple means like improving and defining different surfaces, re-establishing
a hidden river, and introducing public spaces of different character we
redefine Strusshamn and prepare for the integration of the new development at
the Viksund site.

Strusshamn has
a lot of different public services and mainly small-scale cultural activity. A
combination of culture production and maritime culture can give Strusshamn the
uniqueness that is needed to turn the place into both a good place to live and
an interesting destination. We have introduced small culture ”boathouses” that
will make a nice supplement to the housing as artist’s studios and small shops.
They will provide public life and reintroduce small-scale commerce to this once
so lively harbour area. The culture “boathouses” can be rented separately or
put together to make larger units.

The study
examines three different combinations of density and program on the site, but
with a similar layout and approach to the site. The layout is based on analysis
of climate and landscape with an aim to create good public spaces and buildings
with access to light and the spectacular view the landscape offers. A
continuous public space with piers, public spaces, a promenade and backyards
attach the new development to the rest of Strusshamn. A central canal on the
site connects the two parts of the site together and increases the quality of
both and this way not only the houses on the waterfront have access to the
qualities of the harbour environment. Towards the fjord to the south lies a
large public space for the whole of Strusshamn.

The new
development is based on the historical buildings in Strusshamn. Small volumes
that sometimes grow together and create larger units characterize the
historical buildings. The buildings are close to the water and create spaces
between that vary in size and quality. With those aspects in mind, the new
development is a continuation and extension of the historical place, while at
the same time demonstrating the possibilities of developing these kinds of
sites into areas with more dense or urban structures.