Selfors: A Modernist Villa Rehabilitation

Reviving the Spirit of 1960s Modernism

Selfors, a unique housing project by designer Hans-Petter Bjornadal, breathes new life into a 1960s modernist villa, blending contemporary design with the spirit of the past.

The inspiration behind Selfors lies in the principles of natural ventilation. The southward facade, adorned with glass, captures the sun's rays, which are then channeled through a central staircase, creating a harmonious flow of air throughout the house.

What sets Selfors apart is its commitment to preserving the essence of the original villa. Despite suffering partial destruction in the 1980s, Bjornadal and his team have painstakingly restored and rehabilitated the structure, paying homage to the 1960s modernist design.

The heart of Selfors lies in its central staircase, which not only serves as a functional element but also acts as an air ventilation shaft, ensuring a constant circulation of fresh air between the different floors. This innovative approach to ventilation creates a comfortable and healthy living environment.

Selfors embraces the concept of upcycling, utilizing the original wood construction of the house while adding new facades, windows, and repositioning interior walls. This sustainable approach not only reduces waste but also adds a touch of authenticity to the design.

With its three stories and a total area of 200 square meters, Selfors offers a spacious and contemporary living experience. The house is thoughtfully designed to follow the natural southern inclined terrain, maximizing the collection of solar energy and creating a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

Living in Selfors is an immersive experience that connects residents with nature. From waking up to breathtaking views of the sunrise to enjoying the warmth of the midday and afternoon sun in the kitchen and living room, the house embraces the rhythm of the natural world.

The Selfors project, which began in 2011 and was completed in 2014 in Mo I Rana, faced several challenges. The rehabilitation of the modernist villa required meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the new design respected the original 1960s aesthetic. Additionally, creating microclimatic spaces around the house to provide shelter and outdoor areas for residents required innovative thinking and careful planning.

Selfors has been recognized for its outstanding design with the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2022. This accolade acknowledges the project's commitment to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Selfors is a testament to the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hans-Petter Bjørnådal
Image Credits: Image #1 : Ketil Born Image #2 : Ketil Born Image #3 : Ketil Born Image #4 : Ketil Born Image #5 : Ketil Born
Project Team Members: Hans-Petter Bjørnådal
Project Name: Selfors
Project Client: Hans-Petter Bjørnådal


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