Manshausen2: A Resort Reimagined by Snorre Stinessen

Experience Nature's Grandeur in Architectural Innovation

Located at the northern end of Manshausen Island, the resort features three cabins and a sauna, each offering a unique experience of the landscape. The original cabins rest on existing stone quays, while the new ones are positioned partly out in the sea, providing a different ambience. The sauna, built from leftover materials, sits centrally in a seawater pond, offering a tranquil retreat amidst majestic surroundings.

The cabins, made from prefabricated Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) construction, aluminium sheet exterior cladding, and custom glass constructions, are a testament to Stinessen's commitment to sustainable design. The sauna, built from leftover materials from the first stage of construction, further emphasizes this commitment. The interiors, designed in birch and corian, offer a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Each 33sqm cabin can accommodate 2-5 people and offers a dramatic view of the sea. The sauna, including a changing room, can seat 8-10 people. The design encourages interaction with the environment, allowing guests to experience the elements while being protected from harsh weather conditions. Whether it's gazing at the starry night sky or the aurora borealis, or simply enjoying a quiet day in the sun, Manshausen2 offers an unforgettable experience.

The design process involved extensive research, including on-site tests and evaluations, and studies of local climate, wind forces, wave heights, and expected rise in sea level. The most challenging part, according to Stinessen, was positioning the cabins out and above the sea and translating the story of transition from access on-shore to entering the cabin and stepping out over the sea.

Manshausen2, completed in May 2018, is a part of Manshausen Island Resort. It has been recognized for its innovative design and was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.