Nordic architects have a lot to contend with. Extreme weather conditions require houses that function in both the bitter cold and the blazing sun, and Scandinavia’s extraordinary natural beauty means the most interesting architectural idea is likely to be diminished, or even rendered impossible, by the dramatic surroundings.
Fleinvaer Refugium by Rintala Eggertsson Architects and TYIN Tegnestue in Fleinvaer, Gildeskål, Norway. Photography: Pasi Aalto
Cabin Vindheim by Vardehaugen in Lillehammer, Norway. Photography: Rasmus Norlander
Arctic Treehouse by Studio Puisto in Rovaniemi, Finland. Photography: Marc Goodwin
These odds have not dissuaded the innovators, however, and Thames & Hudson’s latest tome New Nordic Houses records some of the best new builds in the region. Featuring work from the likes of Jon Danielsen Aarhus, Tham & Videgård and Snorre Stinessen, the book explores modern Nordic designs, houses which combine vernacular traditions and local materials with more contemporary techniques.
From a floating log cabin and a sloping roof woodland hideaway to an elevated cube overlooking the lake, these designs are unique to their location, and at once universally inspiring.
New Nordic Houses is out now published via Thames & Hudson
Space Copenhagen gives Scandi design a warmer side at LouLou
