norwegian firm LJB arkitektur has constructed a floating concrete path and accompanying wooden bench for a lookout point at vedahaugane, norway. the popular spot overlooks a number of untouched, picturesque valleys and provides stunning views of the nearby jotunheim mountains.

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 2
the popular spot overlooks a number of untouched, picturesque valleys
(above) image by bjørn andresen
(main) image by steinar skaar

 

 

the path is built alongside ‘aurslandsfjellet’, a national tourist route from aurland to lærdal that is popular with travelers. open to traffic every year from june to september, the lookout point at vedahaugane leads through a birch forest to the mountain’s edge, and has been used as a rest stop by shepard and hunters for centuries. LJB arkitektur’s path leads travelers away from the more ‘modern’ road and further into the natural landscape, along a 90 meter paved walkway. in places, a curving wooden bench follows the shapes of the track, providing a place of rest for journeyers and a chance to take in the breathtaking vistas.

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 3
the spot has been used as a rest stop by shepard and hunters for centuries
image by lars j. berge

 

 

the flowing, double-curve shape of the route was constructed in response to the natural contours of the mountain terrain, leading walkers from one valley and into another, dominated by high mountains and eternal snow. the grand scale of the surrounding vista is matched by the rich vegetation that frames the path itself, and is nicely complimented by the firm’s resilient oak bench intervention. the wheelchair friendly walkway ‘floats’ a few centimeters above the ground, supported by round columns that minimize the impact on the landscape and reduce the overall footprint of the construction. in their design, the firm gave utmost priority to creating a trail that responded to and grew from the existing landscape. its supporting struts mean the path will have as little lasting effect on the spot as possible, and can be easily reversed in future.

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 4
the trail is open to traffic every year from june to september 
image by lars j. berge

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 5the path leads travelers away from the more ‘modern’ road and further into the natural landscape 
image by steinar skaar

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 6on a clear day travelers can spot the nearby jotunheim mountains 
image by eugenio marchesi

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 7
rich vegetation and mountain flowers frame the floating path
image by lars j. berge

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 8 its supporting struts mean the path will have as little lasting effect on the spot as possible
image by lars j. berge

LJB arkitektur builds a 'floating' mountain path + oak bench at vedahaugane, norway - 9
plan of the intervention

 

 

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edited by: peter corboy | designboom