The Architecture of Mork-Ulnes: between nature and innovation

Mork-Ulnes Architects, with studios in Norway and California, are known for their expertise in designing living spaces set in rugged and spectacular mountain contexts. Reinterpreting local building traditions and paying close attention to the natural context, the architects approached each design challenge with ingenuity and boldness. Their projects are characterised by an innovative approach that blends harmoniously with the tradition and with genius loci of the spectacular places in which they operate. Recent projects in Norway, such as Dobbel Hytte, Skigard Hytte and Trippel Hytte, reflect the studio's modus operandi, drawing deep inspiration from the surrounding environment.

In all three projects, the main challenge faced by the architects was to build on land and in contexts with particular characteristics. Dobbel Hytte, a small residence for a family of four, was built on a relatively small and uneven plot. The architects solved this design challenge with two slender, inclined volumes that adapt to the slope of the site. In addition, by creating interaction between the volumes, the architects have maximised the access to natural light throughout the plan and created a continuous connection between inside and outside. Skigard Hytte, on the other hand, stands 1.5 meters above ground to allow native grasses to grow below the building. A solution made possible thanks to the Norwegian agricultural tradition known as "skigard", tree trunks cut into quarters and used in fences, which in this project become support posts. The roof covered with the same wild grasses creates a harmonious continuity between the structure and the surrounding landscape.

Finally, Trippel Hytte, located at a junction of cross country and downhill ski trails in Kvitfjell, consists of three cabins oriented in such a way as to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. In all three projects, the connection between interior and exterior is a fundamental element of the design. Natural light flows through the spaces, creating a harmonious relationship between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.
The architects' attention to detail translates into unique architectural solutions that authentically integrate into the reference contexts.
In a rapidly changing world, the projects created by the Mork-Ulnes Architects studio serve as excellent examples of how architecture can evolve, respecting local cultural roots and celebrating the beauty of natural contexts. Their work shows that it is possible to successfully combine innovation and tradition to create extraordinary and sustainable living spaces.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Images courtesy of Mork-Ulnes Architects and Cultivar 

Captions

Photos 01-09
Project Name: Dobbel Hytte
Location: Kvitfjell, Norway
Project: Mork-Ulnes Architects www.morkulnes.com
Project Team: Phi Van Phan, Erling Berg, Casper Mork-Ulnes, Lexie Mork-Ulnes
Photographer: (01-09) Ivar Kvaal

Photos 10-12
Project Name: Skigard Hytte
Location: Kvitfjell, Norway
Project: Mork-Ulnes Architects www.morkulnes.com
Project Team: Phi Van Phan, Casper Mork Ulnes, Lexie Mork Ulnes, Inez Tazi, Kristina Line, Auste Cijunelyte
Collaborators: Hafjell Bygg, Bygg Konsulentene Øst, Strønes Snekkerverksted
Photographer: (10-12) Ivar Kvaal

Photos 13-25
Project Name: Trippel Hytte
Location: Kvitfjell, Norway
Project: Mork-Ulnes Architects www.morkulnes.com
Project Team: Phi Van Phan, Erling Berg, Casper Mork-Ulnes, Lexie Mork-Ulnes
Collaborators: From Bygg, Nordplan
Photographer: (18-25) Anne Bråtveit, (13-17) Ivar Kvaal

---

GALLERY