Mork-Ulnes Architects reinterpret traditional Norwegian cabin design

Mork-Ulnes Architects reinterpret traditional Norwegian cabin typology with the Mylla – a compact, yet expansive cottage in the woods 

Oslo-based firm Mork-Ulnes Architects has recently completed Mylla, a compact yet expansive 84-square meter cabin north of Oslo in the Norwegian forest.

Though planning regulations required a gable roof, Mylla splits the gable in half to create four shed roofs that radiate in a pinwheel configuration which radiates into the landscape to frame four distinct views — Mylla Lake, the rolling hillside, the sky, and a towering forest — and to form wind- and snow-sheltered outdoor patios.

Mork-Ulnes Architects designed the Mylla Hytte in Jevnaker County, Norway. Photo: Bruce Damonte

To create a warm and light filled interior, the architects used pine plywood treated with lye and white oil to finish the interior of the cabin. Custom plywood furniture, including bed frames, bunk beds, couch, dining table, benches, and shelves cant be found throughout.

The compact interior, finished in plywood and unified with a continuous roof canopy, can house up to ten people across three dedicated bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

The walls, ceiling, and all furniture are plywood with exposed edges, and the floors, countertops, and bathroom walls are concrete. The custom designed furniture for this cabin adds soft touches of forest with green Kvadrat wool felt for the upholstered built-ins.

To create a warm and light filled interior, the architects used pine plywood treated with lye and white oil to finish the interior of the cabin. Photo: Bruce Damonte

The untreated pine siding registers the seasons as it greys and weathers with time Photo: Bruce Damonte

Two sheltered outdoor spaces are created which are protected from the wind and from snow shedding from the roof. The exterior is clad simply with untreated heart pine planks, which register the seasons as it greys and weathers with time. The compact interior, finished in plywood and unified with a continuous roof canopy, can house up to ten people across three dedicated bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Custom plywood furniture, including bed frames, bunk beds, couch, dining table, benches, and shelves are found throughout.

The wings of the house engage four distinct characters of the landscape: the great room looks onto Mylla Lake, the guest room looks towards the rolling hillside, the kids' room looks up at the sky, and the bedroom has a private view of the towering forest beyond.

The custom designed furniture for this cabin adds soft touches of forest with green Kvadrat wool felt for the upholstered built-ins. Photo: Bruce Damonte

All photos: Bruce Damonte