Located on the Imingfjell mountainside in Norway, this minimalist, 785-square-foot cabin features a “hood” in response to the climate and the region’s strict building regulations: cabins in this windblown area must have sectioned windows, standing wood paneling, gabled roofs set at 22 to 27 degrees, and triple bargeboards.

Head architect Grethe Løland of the Norwegian studio Arkitektvaerelset found these guidelines to be a source of inspiration. “Limitations are the root of all playful creativity, and in this case, it really became our goal to try to create within the boundaries,” says Løland.

Hytte Imingfjell, as the cabin is called, sits 3,690 feet above sea level in an area exposed to avalanche danger—thankfully, through additional site analysis, the firm found that the cabin itself is in the clear.

“We kept the original idea of a ‘protecting hood’ from the initial project sketches,” says Løland. What was once designed as a shield for the retreat is now a bold and contrasting statement. The angled pine paneling, set against the black cabin body, creates a strong geometric form. The ore pine roof protects the “eyes” of the cabin in the front and prevents rain from dribbling down the cabin's “neck,” where the main entrance is.

“The building became an understated, iconic sculpture in an area where most of the cabins tend to look alike—and ultimately our clients were really happy with its unique form,” concludes Løland.

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Related Reading: This Norwegian Cabin's Roof Doubles as an Observation Deck

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Grethe Løland, Arkitektvaerelset / @a rkitektværelset

Construction: Boye og Waage & Co

Building: Uvdal Snekkerbedrift

Photo Credits: Marte Garmann