Snøhetta Builds a Heavenly Cabin For Hikers in Oslo

An impactful panoramic window dominates Snøhetta’s Fuglemyrhytta, a self-catering hiking cabin perched on a hillside near the popular viewpoint  Vettakollen above Oslo. The Norwegian design firm has a tendency to put the focal point outside of its buildings—their underwater restaurant features a massive, horizontal window to welcome the ocean in—and Fuglemyrhytta is no exception. 

Designed as a respite for groups of hikers trekking through the nearby Nordmarka Forest, the cabin is only accessible by foot.  Just outside is a traditional Norwegian "gapahuk" shelter for soaking up the elements on benches made from timber, as well as a small outhouse and a woodshed. 

Built for the Norwegian Trekking Association, the cabin is close to the Vettakollen metro stop, which connects with the city center, and is near to trails that link to popular trekking destinations such as Sognsvann and Frognerseteren. 

Composed of two staggered, pentagonal volumes, the cabin has a large angled roof designed to protect it from fierce winds, as well as help with snow removal. The unique shape actually reduces the power of the wind hitting the building, as well as creates some clever sleeping solutions for up to 10 overnight visitors.

"The asymmetrical, pentagonal shape allows for different views when sitting inside the cabin, looking out. In the spacious main room, the front window provides a panoramic view of the city whereas one of the side windows provide an eye-height view of the outside trees," Anne Cecilie Haug, senior architect at Snøhetta, tells Dezeen. 

The interior is designed with function front and center. The cabin's entry hall and drying room provide ample space for storing shoes and jackets battered by the Norwegian elements (the cabin is open year-round) and a spacious common room features two timber tables, an oven, and a stove for whipping up a hearty, post-hike meal.

High ceilings add a sense of lightness to the space, and the cabin is constructed with a glulam (glued laminated timber) frame using locally sourced wood to give it a low carbon footprint. The walls and roof are made from cross-laminated timber, visible inside and treated with hard wax oil in areas to create variations in the surfaces. Hints of color—ranging from light gray to burgundy and orange—bring a contemporary take to traditional Norwegian cabin life. 

Fuglemyrhytta opened in late 2018 and can be booked through the Norwegian Trekking Association.

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