Senja: A Cabin Designed to Blend with Nature

Creating a Rock with a View

Located near the picturesque fishing village of Hamn in Senja, Norway, the Senja cabin offers a unique retreat for nature enthusiasts. Designed by renowned architect Hans-Petter Bjornadal, this family cottage seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, providing panoramic views of Senja's stunning mountains and nature.

Inspired by the ancient Sami tradition of "Heller," where cottages were built under large rocks for shelter, the Senja cabin takes on the shape of a stone with natural lines similar to the mountains. This design allows for a large panorama window that frames the breathtaking scenery, creating a rock with a view that settles naturally in the terrain.

The cabin's exterior features a dark grey wooden facade, carefully chosen to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The windows, made of wood/aluminium with steel details, provide protection from the harsh winter storms that can sweep through the area. The main entrance is carved into the building mass, creating a sheltered space to relax and take in the beauty of the landscape.

Inside, the cabin exudes warmth and coziness. The walls are covered with pine boards, complemented by oak floors and a 45x45 wooden slated ceiling. These natural materials create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding by the fireplace after a day of exploring the outdoors.

With a length and width of 21.5m x 7m, the Senja cabin offers a spacious area of 133m2. The design prioritizes energy efficiency, with well-insulated walls, roof, and floor. The windows, using the Schuco system FWs50, ensure optimal thermal performance.

The Senja cabin is more than just a shelter; it is a space that opens up to nature. The panoramic views of the mountains can be enjoyed from the dining table, blurring the lines between inside and outside. The cabin's design allows for a seamless interaction with the surrounding landscape, with the space changing in tune with the light and scenery.

Completed between 2017 and 2020, the Senja cabin stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of architecture and nature. It is a place where one can truly feel part of the landscape, hidden by the forest from neighbors and the main road.

The Senja cabin, designed by Hans-Petter Bjornadal, has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges the cabin's creative ingenuity and its contribution to improving the quality of life through its seamless integration with nature.