Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter AS
Selvika
From a distance, the rest area looks like a concrete sculpture with references to the rock formations in its environment.
- Architect:
- Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter AS
- Finished:
- 2013
The rest area at Selvika is located on the route from Kokelv to Havøysund. The area lies in a sheltered spot, and is a favourite picnic destination for the inhabitants of Havøysund on warm summer days. The path that snakes its way from the road to the beach invites the visitor to explore Selvika and its delightful landscape from various perspectives. The stroll ends in an open clearing with a place for a campfire, tables and benches. A key precondition for construction of this rest area was to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users. Instead of proposing a dual solution with a ramp and stairs, the architect designed a shared walkway that would lend a unified character to the project.
The entire construction has been cast in light grey concrete that blends in with the location.
Trollstigen
The main viewing platform is dramatically located in the landscape, jutting out over an edge with a sheer drop of approximately 200 metres.
- Architect:
- Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter AS
- Landscape architect:
- Multiconsult
- Finished:
- 2012
To build an exhilarating attraction that can endure over time, it was crucial to consider the harsh climate and atmosphere of this unique natural scenery. Steel and concrete were therefore chosen as the basic materials for this installation. With the aid of several types of surface treatment the concrete has been made to appear attractive and dynamic, from rough volcanic to silky smooth.
The main building consists of two interlacing corpuses. From the building, which includes a café and an information centre, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and the swirling water. All the directions of the landscape and all the surrounding peaks have been considered in assigning this building with its complex geometry.
The other building is shaped like a mound and acts as a protective barrier to the river Istra when it runs high. Inside the mound there are service facilities, a kiosk and a souvenir shop. The walkways and stairs leading to the vantage points proceed at a well-paced rhythm that invites for a stroll to experience this mighty landscape.
The main viewing platform is dramatically located in the landscape, jutting out over an edge with a sheer drop of approximately 200 metres. The platform offers various vantage points adapted to courageous as well as more cautious visitors
Water has been a key element in the architectural design of this site. Thresholds along the waterline help regulate water runoff. Much of Nordic culture, and Norwegian culture in particular, is associated with water. At Trollstigen, water can be experienced in many forms: as snow on the mountains, as a mirror, as a swirling stream, as a regulated downward flow or as a dramatic cascade.