Combining tradition and innovation, Gapahuk has been designed by Snøhetta to be a readymade cabin that fits in with most locations – whether it’s placed in the mountains, in the forest or by the sea. Focus has been put on designing a structure that is flexible with regards to wind and sun conditions, and which can adapt to various terrains and environments. Built as a social cabin its layout gives priority to the common areas. A spacious indoors living room and kitchen, as well as generous outdoor patios create spaces where people can spend time together. The cabin further holds three bedrooms, sanitary facilities and a storage space. These are kept more moderate in size, keeping the footprint of the cabin to a minimum. The compact building body is part of the building’s environmental strategy, as it makes it easy to heat up.
The name of the cabin, Gapahuk, is a Norwegian word for a simple wooden structure with two or three walls and a roof. It’s often made to create shelter from rough weather conditions. Drawing inspiration from the traditional gapahuk, the cabin is shaped with the aim of adapting to the many varying weather conditions. The twisting roof creates a two-way gapahuk which gives protection from wind and sun. The angled roof surfaces can be used for energy production by placing solar panels on them, making it possible to have a cabin off the grid.
The cabin has large windows in the common areas, letting its users connect with the surrounding nature. For remaining facades, the building structure, interior walls, and flooring, wood is the primary material. Focus has been put on using high quality and low maintenance materials that can be locally sourced and are environmentally friendly.
The cabin has been designed for Rindalshytter, Norway’s leading producer of leisure homes.
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