Magazine
MAGAZIN
Cabins in the Lyngen Alps
#architecture

Cabins in the Lyngen Alps

If you love the far north, you’ll love the Lyngen Alps. And if you love the Lyngen Alps, you’ll love the bungalows by architect Snorre Stinessen.

Never heard of the Lyngen Alps? There’s no shame in that. You probably haven’t had the chance to go to northern Norway all that often – unless, of course, you live there. It’s more of a shame not to think about going there. The landscape of the Scandinavian mountains on the Lyngen Peninsula, with the fjords Ullsfjord in the west and Lyngenfjord in the east, is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

You should visit this spot of land soon, especially as the Lyngen Alps are still relatively untouched by tourism. Apart from reindeer, sea eagles and grey seals, it is mainly mountain hikers, freeride fans and extreme skiers who are drawn to the back of beyond on the northern Norwegian peninsula. There is simply nothing that compares to descending from the alpine peaks down to sea level.

Bungalow for a Norwegian couple
This bungalow by Snorre Stinessen was built directly on the rocks for a Norwegian couple.
Panoramic windows on three sides of the wooden house
Spectacular views thanks to panoramic windows on three sides of the wooden house.

Award-winning architect Snorre Stinessen has arguably designed the best cabins in the Norwegian Lyngen Alps for enjoying the natural spectacle and indulging in activities in the earth’s near-Arctic zones.

Weekend waterside home north of the Arctic Circle

Not all of Snorre Stinessen’s cabins are available for tourists to stay in. Tove Feldt and Hagbard Kramer are a lucky couple: they not only found what they considered to be the perfect piece of land for their weekend home – but also the perfect architect who would realize the project with them: Snorre Stinessen.

Façade and roof made of resistant cedar wood
Façade and roof made of resistant cedar wood.
Entrance to the cabin in the Lyngen Alps
Entrance to the cabin in the Lyngen Alps.

As a Master of Architecture from the Norges Tekniske Høyskole and the Politecnico di Milano, Stinessen places great importance on his studio working closely with clients and supervising every project in detail.

Waterside bungalow in the Lyngen Alps
Whales, reindeer or the northern lights can be watched from the cabin warmed by geothermal heating and a wood-burning stove.

Cabin in Lyngen Alps: north of the Arctic Circle

The wooden cabin in Lyngen Alps is perfectly tailored to its location and built for the climate there. The location is near the village of Ravika, which is on the 69th parallel, north of the Arctic Circle.

There is snow here for half the year. In the winter, it is pitch-black for two months. But two things make up for this for residents and visitors alike: the efficient geothermal heating and the wood-burning stove, which creates an atmospheric, crackling fire and warms you up quickly.

And then there is the scenic backdrop, the untouched nature and silence. During the rest of the year – in daylight – seeing a reindeer trotting by in the clear air or being able to watch whales in the blue of the fjord: that is truly something special. On top of this, in the evenings there are the northern lights, or aurora borealis, with their brightly coloured patterns of light that flicker in yellow, green, blue and even shades of red.

Cabin in Lyngen Alps: geared towards the natural conditions of the harsh northern Norwegian climate.
Award-winning architect Snorre Stinessen has taken both the position of the sun and wind currents into account.

Energy self-sufficient cedar wood construction

The bungalow in Lyngen Alps is a timber building that blends seamlessly into the rock by the fjord – very close to the sea, but in an elevated position. The outer shell including the roof is made of untreated cedar wood. This turns silver-grey over time, but withstands the harsh climate very well. The interior, on the other hand, is clad in oak, which creates a warm, sheltered atmosphere.

The floor plan and exact location of the cabin were planned not only taking into account the natural stone formations of the landscape but also the position of the sun, architect Snorre Stinessen reports. When aligning the walls, he used the wind currents as a guide.

Inside the cabin, the warm atmosphere dominates
Inside the cabin, the warm atmosphere created by the oak wood dominates.

Panoramic windows on three sides

The living area is positioned facing the sea. With floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the bungalow, the owners can enjoy fully panoramic sea views. Only the windows of the master bedroom offer a view of the snow-covered mountains.

The sauna and bathroom are located in the connecting section between the bedroom and the main body of the building. Naturally, the sauna offers direct access to the outdoors.

Snorre Stinessen also designed the holiday homes on the Norwegian island of Mannshausen. But if you’re more into adrenaline kicks than serene nature and solitude, then Tom Norland’s Bolder Skylodges are ideal.

The cabins designed by Snorre Stinessen on the island of Mannshausen
The cabins designed by Snorre Stinessen on the island of Mannshausen.

Exclusive Aurora Lodge: available for booking

Also located in the remote Lyngen Alps, or Lyngsalpan as they are called in Norwegian, is the Aurora Lodge. The building ensemble functions partly as a private retreat, partly as a small lodge. It consists of a main building with two units and terraces, a separate suite, and a sauna on the other side of the stream.

The Aurora Lodge, which is open all year round, is another “luxurious window” to the enchanting spectacle of the aurora borealis in the heart of the untouched northern Norwegian wilderness. By all accounts you need a helicopter to get there, so exclusivity is guaranteed (bookings handled by operator Black Tomato).

From £75,000 for 12 people

A five-night stay is available starting from £75,000 (for up to 12 people). Adventurous visitors need not limit themselves to watching the northern lights. There are a range of exciting activities to choose from, including kayaking with orcas for company, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, husky sledding or snowmobiling through Arctic terrain.

Text: Linda Benkö
Images: Snorre Stinessen Architecture

Other articles
that might interest you

University enters the green building revolution
#greenbuilding
University enters the green building revolution

The Marga Klompé Building at Tilburg University is the first academic building in the Netherlands to be built out of wood. Insulation made from recycled denim jeans is part of the circular design by Powerhouse Company.

The circular office
#smart office
The circular office

Impact Hub Berlin is a community and coworking space that has taken recyclable construction from theory to practice. LXSY Architekten used timber construction and recycled building materials for the interior design in a converted old warehouse.

Old method stages a comeback
#greenbuilding
Old method stages a comeback

One hundred years after patenting of the Zollinger roof, this self-supporting timber structure is experiencing a renaissance. Designed to save materials, recyclable and easy to build, it has regained popularity for the construction of today’s factory workshops.

Copenhagen as the world’s first net-zero capital city
#city planning
Copenhagen as the world’s first net-zero capital city

Copenhagen is fast approaching its goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Its former city architect Camilla van Deurs, recently appointed head of the Nordic Office of Architecture's new specialist area for strategic urban development, spoke to ubm magazine. about the biggest levers for reducing carbon emissions.

The supermarket of the future
#greenbuilding
The supermarket of the future

A supermarket designed as a net-zero construction that produces its own food for the region. This is the concept behind Rewe Green Farming and its prototype in Wiesbaden, Germany. Timber engineering is central to the company’s plan for similar stores.

Alpine architecture at its best
#greenbuilding
Alpine architecture at its best

The recent rebuild of Voisthaler Hut in Austria’s Hochschwab Mountains uses structural timber design with sophisticated architectural and ecological features. This energy self-sufficient mountain hut designed by Dietger Wissounig Architekten has been awarded the “Umweltgütesiegel” and also won the 2023 BIG SEE Architecture Award.

A metro station built with timber
#city planning
A metro station built with timber

Although this design looks like a utopian dream, in Copenhagen it is set to become reality. Over the coming years, the Danish capital will be introducing timber-hybrid metro stations. The concept by JaJa Architects adopts a holistic approach and takes climate-friendly building below ground.

Logistics centre opts for wood
#greenbuilding
Logistics centre opts for wood

Not far from Amsterdam, fashion giant Bestseller is building Europe’s largest timber logistics centre – called “Logistics Center West”. Designed by Danish architects Henning Larsen, it aims to set new standards in sustainability and design.

Mediating between mountain and valley
#greenbuilding
Mediating between mountain and valley

Its design blends alpine architecture with the outline of a craggy mountain range. The Congress and Exhibition Centre in the municipality of Agordo in northern Italy reimagines aesthetic forms of expression in timber construction.

A Zen-style home
#living
A Zen-style home

The Belgian city of Antwerp will soon benefit from a Japanese-inspired, timber-hybrid residential tower that is currently under construction. The building was designed by Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban, who takes nature and wood as central inspiration for his designs.

Flourishing in a residential greenhouse
#living
Flourishing in a residential greenhouse

Bremen’s Überseeinsel district is a new, green neighbourhood currently under development. Affordable, sustainable and attractive living space will be on offer in the Residential Greenhouse. It is designed to be a home for both people and plants.

New schools from construction kits
#greenbuilding
New schools from construction kits

There is a severe shortage of schools – 15,000 are needed in Europe alone. The easy-to-assemble kit from Stora Enso – called Sylva – can be used to create eco-friendly wooden schools that offer children a positive learning environment and architecture that gives them a sense of meaning and purpose.

The woman behind Henning Larsen
#architecture
The woman behind Henning Larsen

CEO Mette Kynne Frandsen has worked for over 20 years to make Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen what it is today: a pioneer in creating sustainable yet iconic architecture around the world. She gave us an interview before leaving her position.

Sustainability with the power of two
#greenbuilding
Sustainability with the power of two

Architectural firm Pittino & Ortner based in Styria, Austria, is making a name for itself on two fronts: with its huge timber-hybrid book storage facility in Vienna and its café on Lake Thalersee near Graz.

On track for transformation
#greenbuilding
On track for transformation

Industrial wastelands need new strategies to present workable options for re-use. The architects at Smartvoll are experts in this kind of development. One of their designs is an ecosystem for the former railway depot in Amstetten, Lower Austria, as living space for plants, animals and people.

A church that stores carbon
#architecture
A church that stores carbon

As the first church to be built in Copenhagen for 30 years, it may well become an icon. Ørestad Church is a sculptural timber construction designed by Henning Larsen. A kind of “Church 2.0”, it is also a modern community centre that reaches out to everybody regardless of their belief.

Wisdome shows pioneering expertise
#greenbuilding
Wisdome shows pioneering expertise

One of the world’s most spectacular timber engineering projects was recently completed in Sweden. Built for Stockholm’s Tekniska Museet, the Wisdome is a free-form structure using 20 kilometres of laminated veneer lumber. The design uses this kind of wood in an entirely new way.

Alpine lodges redeveloped
#hotel
Alpine lodges redeveloped

MoDus Architects have restructured a hotel complex that has decades of growth behind it. The external space created by a new layer of timber on the outside of the Icaro Hotel brings together the existing buildings to form a uniform whole. On the inside, guests encounter plenty of affectionate references to Alpine clichés.

Inspired design for heavenly wines
#architecture
Inspired design for heavenly wines

The fine wines from Château Angélus winery are now also produced in Libourne, France. Its new wine cellar designed by Eric Castagnotto looks like a church nave, which is probably no coincidence.

Glamping in hilltop chalets
#hotel
Glamping in hilltop chalets

A luxury campsite at the foot of Vorarlberg’s Rätikon mountain range has been enlarged, with the addition of ten timber tiny houses. These hilltop chalets are a reinterpretation of the Alpine hut, and their design has won several awards.

Timber construction by star architect
#hotel
Timber construction by star architect

The first five-storey hotel in mass timber design is located in Zillertal, Austria, created by celebrated Italian architect Matteo Thun. It is no coincidence that one of the leading players in structural timber construction is based only a stone’s throw away.

The transformer hotel
#hotel
The transformer hotel

VALO is the name of a complex on the outskirts of Helsinki that combines hotel accommodation with office facilities. With a dual use that is both efficient and viable, the beds are folded away during the day, making way for fold-out desks.

Timber showcase for Volvo
#greenbuilding
Timber showcase for Volvo

A special kind of discovery world is taking shape in Gothenburg, where Swedish vehicle manufacturer Volvo is using timber construction and nature to create its World of Volvo. The components and engineering for Henning Larsen’s design are being provided by Austrian firm Wiehag.

Wave of the future
#greenbuilding
Wave of the future

The Klimatorium in Lemvig, Denmark, devises strategies to counteract global climate change. Situated on the coast of Jutland, the building designed by architects 3XN has already achieved iconic status.

A bridge to the future
#greenbuilding
A bridge to the future

As Dusseldorf’s Theodor Heuss Bridge needs a complete overhaul, the team at RKW Architektur + put their heads together – and produced a spectacular new design. It is literally packed with potential.

Yes to Jess!
#city planning
Yes to Jess!

The town of Jessheim is getting an impressive new centre. Designed by Norwegian firm Mad arkitekter, it promises to combine sustainable urban development with attractive indoor and outdoor areas.

New life among the mushrooms
#architecture
New life among the mushrooms

Metropol Parasol has achieved a phenomenal rejuvenation of a neglected square in Seville. The iconic timber construction by J.MAYER.H architects is a prime example of successful intervention in public space.

Blueprint for forests in urban living
#city planning
Blueprint for forests in urban living

The Forestias is one of the largest property development projects in Thailand. The highlight of this project by Foster + Partners is a 48,000 m² urban forest designed by TK Studio.

Timber high-rise with guaranteed recycling
#greenbuilding
Timber high-rise with guaranteed recycling

The Kajstaden Tall Timber Building in Sweden marks the beginning of a new generation of mass timber blocks. Using this building material saves around 500 tonnes of CO₂, and it also facilitates deconstruction later on.

Now that’s rocket science
#greenbuilding
Now that’s rocket science

There’s a rocket preparing to launch in Switzerland. The residential timber high-rise named Rocket in Winterthur’s Lokstadt neighbourhood will reach a height of 100 metres. The tower’s residents will be part of the 2000-watt society.

It’s time for Carl
#greenbuilding
It’s time for Carl

May we introduce Carl? Using timber for its facade besides the supporting structure, the apartment block is currently under construction in Pforzheim. Architect Peter W. Schmidt explains how this is being done.

A school with the hygge factor
#greenbuilding
A school with the hygge factor

Kautokeino skole in northern Norway is a project that seeks to embrace the uniqueness of Sami culture and educational style. The mass wood building is so hygge, you’ll want to check in for a few nights.

Superblock designed with mass timber
#city planning
Superblock designed with mass timber

Canada’s megaproject Waterfront Toronto includes a new district called Quayside, an all-electric and climate-neutral community. Its highlights are a two-acre urban forest and the residential Timber House by architect David Adjaye.

Where the future is radically car-free
#city planning
Where the future is radically car-free

The city of San Diego in Southern California has plans for a new district, one that will be entirely void of cars. Known as Neighborhood Next, it must be one of the most radical projects in the USA.

Climate neutral and affordable
#city planning
Climate neutral and affordable

The new urban quarter Zwhatt near Zurich is designed to enable climate-neutral living at affordable prices. One of its buildings is a 75-metre-high timber hybrid tower known as Redwood, whose facade generates solar power.

Wood with superpowers
#greenbuilding
Wood with superpowers

Architect and biologist Timothée Boitouzet has used nanotechnology to give wood an upgrade. The new material “Woodoo” is translucent, fire-resistant, weatherproof and up to five times stronger than normal wood.

High-tech timber for Norwegian banking
#smart office
High-tech timber for Norwegian banking

Timber construction can be decidedly high-tech, as illustrated by the head office built for SR Bank in Stavanger, Norway. Bjergsted Financial Park offers workplaces that are fit for the future, and it is among Europe’s largest engineered timber buildings.

In harmony with nature
#greenbuilding
In harmony with nature

So, what does "Noom" actually mean? While Sanzpont [arquitectura] and Pedrajo + Pedrajo Arquitectos don't exactly reveal this, their "Living the Noom" concept is pretty clear: it’s all about a fresh take on housing. With environmental protection and quality of life as a top priority.

Hamburg sets a new benchmark
#greenbuilding
Hamburg sets a new benchmark

HafenCity Hamburg is an urban quarter fit for the future. Its eco cherry on the top is the “Null-Emissionshaus” (Zero Emissions Building), which is completely carbon-neutral – and can be dismantled like a Lego house.

The oblique cabins of Tungestølen
#hotel
The oblique cabins of Tungestølen

Snøhetta creates high-calibre architecture, including accommodation at high altitudes amidst Norway’s glaciers. The architects have enriched the Tungestølen mountain cabins with a special feeling of hygge.

Urban apartments off the peg
#greenbuilding
Urban apartments off the peg

Apple’s former design head BJ Siegel has developed a concept for a timber modular house. The urban prefab named Juno is designed for mass production – and hopes for success on the scale of the iPhone.

Village life in the city
#greenbuilding
Village life in the city

Communal vegetable patches, car sharing and a timber building that overtops many others. Sweden’s largest housing cooperative is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a project called Västerbroplan that shows how people will live in the future.

A superlative tree house
#greenbuilding
A superlative tree house

Bearing the name Tree House Rotterdam, Holland’s new landmark-to-be looks like a gigantic stack of wooden shelves with glass lofts added on top. It aims to take the sustainability of timber high-rises to a new level.

Co-housing 2.0
#living
Co-housing 2.0

Three tonnes of lettuce and vegetables annually will be farmed on top of the We-House, a timber construction project in Hamburg’s HafenCity. The on-site restaurant serves meals for residents of this sophisticated eco-house at cost price.

The parametric office
#smart office
The parametric office

The design for the urban office building Saint Denis in Paris shows the potential of parametric design in timber construction. Architect Arthur Mamou-Mani is a luminary in this new discipline, and we were able to meet him online.

Wood on London’s skyline
#greenbuilding
Wood on London’s skyline

Researchers at Cambridge University are helping to turn London’s spectacular vision of a wooden skyscraper into reality. The Oakwood Timber Tower is to rise 300 metres into the sky, almost level with the tallest building in the city.

Vertical allotments for urban farming
#city planning
Vertical allotments for urban farming

Self-sufficiency is no longer a dream reserved for downshifters. The modular building system named The Farmhouse designed by Studio Precht allows residents to grow food in big cities.

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.