Vega Cottage by Kolman Boye Architects
Vega Cottage, designed by Swedish architects, Kolman Boye, is a dwelling acutely in tune with its sublime surroundings. Nestled on the island of Vega in the Norwegian archipelago, and based on the traditional Norwegian fishermen huts (called Naust) it is a lesson in non-invasive architecture.
Built for siblings to revisit their childhood place of solace, the interior in linseed oil painted pine and birch is a glowing den, as pure as its organic surrounds. Generous windows frame magnificently wild vistas of weather-beaten shrubs and craggy granite mountains.
With respect and restraint the landscape’s new guest does not disturb the bedrock. Instead, visitors must arrive by a natural ravine open to the elements, its dialogue never static. As the happy occupants state, “The access should be a process. Walking up to the building prepares you for the environment and adapts you to it.”
This kind of retreat is meditative to the point of religious, a simple place of worship to the most beautiful divinity, ‘Mother Nature’.
Credits: Kolman Boye
