Malangen Retreat: A Masterpiece of Sustainable Architecture

Snorre Stinessen's Award-Winning Design Celebrates Nature and Everyday Living

The design of the Malangen Retreat was primarily inspired by the landscape, with a focus on views, privacy, and sunlight. Stinessen aimed to emphasize the closeness to nature while ensuring a comfortable indoor stay. The design also underscores the transition between spaces and activities, often overlooked in our busy lives.

What sets the Malangen Retreat apart is its unique structure. The building is divided into separate volumes for each room or function, allowing multiple activities to occur simultaneously. The in-between spaces tell a story of journeying between different spaces and activities, adding a layer of narrative to the architectural design. Most of the furnishings are custom-designed by Stinessen, further enhancing the uniqueness of the retreat.

The building was constructed on-site, with careful consideration given to the layout and vegetation of the site. The earthbound floors are made of concrete to adapt to the terrain and emphasize the connection to nature. The ceilings are made with blackened oak slats, while the other rooms are individual volumes with exterior cladding in untreated cedar and interiors all in oak. This choice of materials was made with both durability and atmosphere in mind.

The Malangen Retreat is more than just a building; it's an experience. The organization of the building allows for guests to stay over longer periods and for several activities to take place without disturbing each other. The design aims to highlight the values and importance of our different activities and the connections and respect we have for the nature around us.

The project, which started in 2013 and was completed in July 2017, faced several challenges. The most difficult part was finding methods to adapt to the terrain and stay as close to the ground as possible. The glass construction was another challenge, with the aim of having the glazing function not as frames for a view, but only as a climatic border. Despite these challenges, the Malangen Retreat was awarded Platinum in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2018, recognizing its exceptional design and contribution to societal wellbeing.