Source : Snorre Stinessen Architecture
The Efjord project, completed in 2017, is located on the island of Halvarøy in northern Norway, on the cliff overlooking the fjord, with views of mountains including two of the country's most difficult climbing peaks. A tall order, but one that didn't seem to deter the architect. The clients wanted this very private and intimate site to feel far from the world, making the most of the site's exceptional panoramic views, while preserving as much of the natural terrain on the rock as possible.
The chalet, with its 2150 square feet of living space, is designed as two staggered but sandwiched blocks resting on rocks of different heights, and features covered outdoor spaces completely in harmony with nature, with the perception of no boundaries between inside and outside. The orientation of the land naturally allows for the movement of sunlight, creating a balance between views and the privacy of the chalet.
Source : Snorre Stinessen Architecture
The bedrooms and sauna are located in the first, larger block, while the second block, a few steps lower, offers unpartitioned space for the kitchen, dining room and living room.
The woods used for the chalet are typical of the region: pine for the exterior and birch for the interior. Mirrored windows offer breathtaking views of the landscape. With triple-layered windows and high-efficiency insulation, the customers were also keen to use local materials throughout their chalet. A not insignificant detail: the use of nearly 14 tons of glass panels to enjoy the view from the comfort of their home. The owners are delighted with this ambitious project, and the architect is pleased to have accomplished his mission.
Source : Snorre Stinessen Architecture
Stinessen has completed projects in North and South America, Europe and Australia. The recipient of impressive awards and recognition around the world, and cited in numerous prestigious books and magazines, Stinessen has also exhibited his work in many museums and festivals over the years.
Educated in Norway and Italy, Snorre Stinessen has acquired skills in industrial design and architecture. That's why he also creates bespoke furniture and pre-designed projects, and offers his interior design services, whether the project is large or small. Affirming that his favorite tool remains paper and pencil, he draws his ideas primarily from the site on which the project will be built, and from hours and hours of conversation with customers. His goal is for his conceptual vision of the project to match the customer's needs, so that ultimately, the customer feels at home.
Stinessen practiced on his own for a long time, and now has several assistants working with him from the studio in Italy. Together, their philosophy remains solid communication with the customer and understanding of the space.
Source : Snorre Stinessen Architecture