The Red Concrete house, a starkly minimalist russet box, is bigger and bolder than its budget would suggest. It was designed by John Sanden and Ingvild Hodnekvam of Sanden+Hodnekvam Arkitekter for three generations of the same family. And there is reason behind its repeated rhythms. Set on a steep hill in Lillehammer in Norway, the house was essentially designed in a kit form, making for an affordable (partly) self-build.
The same arrangement of pre-fabricated concrete elements – with a 50mm outer layer made with an iron oxide pigment – are repeated over and over in the design. That system approach made the house relatively simple to assemble and – with material re-use in mind – disassemble.
MORE FROM WALLPAPER* ARCHITECTS DIRECTORY 2020
The interior is similarly rational and no-frills and was designed and installed by the clients. Knot-free pine panelling has been used on the floors and ceiling of the kitchen and living room while concrete slabs and screed have been used in the rest of the house.
‘Our projects often have a certain directness,' the pair says, ‘whether it is a strict plan or simple material palette, but we are very interested in trying to create spaces that don’t unfold all of its qualities right away.' And they insist that great architecture can be affordable. ‘Architectural quality does not depend on a big budget. It is challenging and interesting to create quality with limited resources. Housing quality should apply to everyone.'
INFORMATION
-
Rick Owens’ new Moncler collaboration features a surreal ‘demountable mountain refuge’ inspired by Charlotte PerriandYour first look at Rick Owens’ latest Moncler collaboration, a mountain refuge designed alongside extreme-condition experts Hugh Broughton Architects and an accompanying clothing collection made for ‘hibernating’
-
The new Ford Capri wants to tap a vein of Gen X nostalgia. Does it succeed?We ask if the all-electric Ford Capri can capture the swagger of its much-loved but rather oafish predecessor
-
Rug designer Sibylle de Tavernost’s homage to Fernard LégerAbstract modern art, craft heritage and contemporary life fuse in Sibylle de Tavernost's new limited-edition rugs
-
Tour this waterfront Norwegian summer house in pristine natureCabin Lillesand by architect, Lund Hagem respects and enhances its natural setting in the country's south
-
Remembering Alexandros Tombazis (1939-2024), and the Metabolist architecture of this 1970s eco-pioneerBack in September 2010 (W*138), we explored the legacy and history of Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, who this month celebrates his 80th birthday.
-
Sun-drenched Los Angeles houses: modernism to minimalismFrom modernist residences to riveting renovations and new-build contemporary homes, we tour some of the finest Los Angeles houses under the Californian sun
-
Kunstsilo sees a functionalist grain silo transformed into Norway’s newest art galleryKunstsilo’s crisp modern design by Mestres Wåge with Spanish firms Mendoza Partida and BAX Studio transforms a listed functionalist grain silo into a sleek art gallery
-
Aarestua Cabin brings old Norwegian traditions into the 21st centuryAarestua Cabin by Gartnerfuglen is a modern retreat with links to historical Norwegian traditions, and respect for its environment
-
Pioneering tablet maker reMarkable’s Oslo headquarters is a space for ‘better thinking’reMarkable’s Oslo head office, featuring areas to retreat, ruminate and collaborate, is a true workspace of the future
-
This Norway cabin was designed as a minimalist, coastal escapeThis Norway cabin by Erling Berg is made of local timber that frames its scenic Risør views through large openings and outdoor areas, creating a cool summer escape
-
This Oslo house is a suburban cabin in the woodsAn Oslo house designed like a retreat, Villa Nikkesmelle by Gartnerfuglen, offers the perfect balance between urban and rural
