rever & drage pairs modern cabin with 1930s bolthole in nordmarka, norway

the two cabins work together as a small retreat, with the new one housing the modern amenities and the original offering a more traditional living experience.

tim spears December 29, 2022 4 min

rever & drage nestles small cabin retreat in nordmarka, norway

In the wilderness outside Oslo, Rever & Drage built a small cabin in Nordmarka, Norway that sits in tandem with a 1930s bolthole amongst its natural surroundings. At 29 sqm, the new wooden cabin mimics the size of the existing structure. The two work together as a small retreat, with the new one housing the modern amenities and the original offering a more traditional, walden-like living experience.

rever & drage pairs modern cabin with 1930s bolthole in nordmarka, norway - 1 — Rever & Drage built a small cabin in Nordmarka, Norway that sits in tandem with a 1930s bolthole

All images courtesy of Rever & Drage; photos by Tom Auger

Rever & Drage’s design of the cabin in Nordmarka focuses on enhancing the natural qualities of the site – the main view to gaze out upon the sunset over the woods and lakes. The building’s size was restricted to be the same as the original 1930s bolthole. Its environmental impact was further reduced thanks to a minimal foundation technique employed by the architects. Steel bolts were inserted into the bedrock, limited to size small drilled holes. This means the cabin can easily be removed and the site restored, if desired.

rever & drage pairs modern cabin with 1930s bolthole in nordmarka, norway - 2 — The design maximizes the main view to gaze out upon the sunset over the woods and lakes

modern yet traditional cabin retreat

The architects’ client wished to preserve the quality, expression and material of the old cabin so a new building was added to work in tandem with the original. They form an angled courtyard that opens towards the sun and main views to the southwest. The old fashioned 1930s charm of the exterior was retained, as the new cabin’s windows of the side façade mirrors that of the original. A bench was placed in front of the additional building’s open glass corner to conceal its modern aesthetic yet not disrupt the panoramic views.

rever & drage pairs modern cabin with 1930s bolthole in nordmarka, norway - 3 — The 1930s charm of the exterior was retained as the new cabin’s side windows mirrors that of the original

Inside, the new cabin houses all the modern facilities, such as water and electricity, whilst the old one provides additional room for living in a more traditional bolthole experience. The contemporary building appears with a simple but functional and practical concept. Multiple levels split the small yet light and open space to create dedicated living, recreational, and adult’s sleeping area. A play- and sleeping area for the children is then positioned at the top of a ladder. A bathroom and storage rooms are located underneath the levels.