area 116 | Norway

architect: Snøhetta

location: Eggum, Lofoten

year: 2007

Eggum is a community which lies on the seaward side of Vestvågøy in Lofoten. The former fishing village faces directly out to sea, on a small, level strip of land between steep cliffs and the sea. So is claimed to be the best place for such observations. The project consists of a service building which lies within an amphitheatre which also allows room for car parking. In two separate areas outside the amphitheatre are spaces for campervans to assemble. Gabion walls were used throughout the site to limit parking space and to create a unifying effect. The architectural expression is simple, taut and modern. It functions as a multi purpose room of 20 sqm with kitchen facilities and toilets. The building consists of two separate constructive elements: a concrete frame located into the terrain and a wooden volume which extends from the concrete frame. The concrete frame functions as both a framework for the wooden building and a back wall against the hillside. The gabions finish against the concrete frame and connect the building with the landscaping. The wooden volume is clad both inside and outside with thick planking of driftwood gathered from a beach a few hundred metres from the building.