The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has completed the first of a series of unique ‘daytrip cabins’, built to make treks in the Norwegian Mountains more accessible for novice hikers and explorers. The natural landscapes are home to some of the most spectacular views in Europe, but have remained largely untapped due to the difficult nature of the hikes. Built to provide a sanctuary for hikers to relax and rest, the Hammerfest Cabin hopes to facilitate more trips to this stunning location, whilst its unique freeform hexagonal-shell appearance and natural Kebony cladding have seen it already become a landmark for adventurers on their journey to discover the beauty of the Norwegian mountains.
Ensuring that the natural landscape and panoramic views were unaffected by the cabin was of utmost importance to the architects, SPINN Arkitekter (Norway) and Format Engineers (UK). Planning for the ambitious design concept began in 2015, when the egg-shape and faceted stone like appearance was first developed and the need for a uniquely durable and sustainable timber cladding material was realised. Since then, construction of the cabin has been aided by the support of local companies and the community, who consistently exhibited a fantastic willingness to ensure the project reached its full potential through direct financial contributions, special deductions, free work and lending of tools and equipment.
Today, the 150 square foot cabin stands as a testament to the design vision of the architects, whilst the decision to use innovative materials like the weather resistant and sustainable Kebony to clad the panelled façade demonstrates core commitment to protecting both hikers and the natural landscape. The incorporation a large window into the design also allows for the stunning panoramic views to be enjoyed from the safety and calm of the innovative development.
Kebony, a beautiful enhanced wood, proved to be the perfect material to clad the cabin due to resistance to wear and weathering, sustainable credentials and unique appearance. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. The revolutionary process not only provides a wealth of enhanced physical properties, but also contributes to the timber’s unique aesthetic which will see it develop a silver patina over time to match the surrounding rocks and landscapes.
James Dodson, at SPINN Arkitekter commented: “We are delighted to see that our ambition to create this innovative sanctuary for adventurers has been realised. The cabin’s unique design perfectly blends with the surrounding area, which was very much helped by how the installation of Kebony worked with the multi-panelled design. We hope that the cabin will continue to be enjoyed and will encourage more people to visit the stunning location in the future.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony added: “Despite the exposed location, Kebony’s resistance to wear and weathering will ensure minimal maintenance is required for the exterior of Hammerfest Cabin. The team at Kebony is thrilled with the material’s contribution to such a fantastic project that occupies one of the most unique and beautiful locations in Norway.
