Various Architects AS

Various Architects were commissioned to design a new family houses in Svartskog  district of Oslo. The plot is characterised by it´s steep slope with amazing views on Oslo fjord.

Through a close collaboration with the client, the project developed strong spatial solutions, allowing the house to sit naturally within the sloping site. It is oriented towards the west, opening to the afternoon light, the surrounding forest, and views of the fjord beyond.

The house is defined by a mono-pitched roof sloping to the south, creating near-optimal conditions for solar energy production. Over the course of a year, the house generates more energy than it consumes. The roof geometry also allows for a generous ceiling height of over 4.5 metres towards the north.

The west façade is fully glazed, establishing a direct connection to the landscape and allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the main living space, where shifting light and shadow animate the interior throughout the day.

Constructed from natural materials, the house provides a healthy indoor climate and maintains a low environmental footprint. It is well insulated and equipped with hydronic floor heating throughout.

The plan is organized around a large, open living space combining living room, dining area, and kitchen. On one side, a more private volume contains the main bedroom, bathroom, and a walk-through closet. On the opposite side, a separate zone includes a home office and two children’s or guest rooms, along with a bathroom, laundry, and a separate WC.

This clear division of functions allows for both privacy and openness, while positioning the kitchen as the social centre of the house—a solution that works well for both everyday life and larger gatherings.