The mountains—one of the contexts that almost every architect would like to build in at least once. And yet even though it's an attractive setting, the associated challenges, including, but not limited to the sheer remoteness of mountain regions and their distance from basic services, make building in the mountains particularly demanding.
We've compiled a selection of 15 incredible works of architecture that maximize the breathtaking surroundings found in mountainous areas, featuring photographs from Felipe Camus, Janez Martincic, and Anze Cokl.
Søren Harder Nielsen
Smart Configurations for Small Kitchens
Small spaces often need to accommodate essential functions. How can you incorporate a kitchen into your design in the best possible way when floor space is limited? We've carefully reviewed our published projects to select seven houses where architects have effectively addressed this challenge through intelligent and innovative configurations.
These kitchens manage to appear larger than they actually are by being connected to adjacent spaces such as living rooms or dining rooms. They occupy very small areas themselves, taking a different approach from the traditional kitchen, which usually occupies a separate and exclusive room.
Norwegian Mountaineering Center / Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
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Architects: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
- Area: 900 m²
- Year: 2016
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Manufacturers: Expology, Myhr, Petal AS, Walltopia
Video: Reiulf Ramstad Explains "The Nordic Way of Building"
“We believe that architecture makes sense when it’s anchored in the locales where it’s built, and the people who are going to use it. That’s why I’m not so occupied with the zeitgeist of architecture.”
In this interview from Louisiana Channel, Oslo-based architect Reiulf Ramstad discusses how the Scandinavian landscape is at the core of his design concepts. In a context of globalization, increased mobility, and communication medias, Ramstad believes “the depth of the locale becomes shallow.” His architecture contrasts this mainstream approach by offering designs specifically tailored to Norwegian cultural heritage and the landscape of its remote areas.
Cultural Center Stjørdal / Reiulf Ramstad Architects + Lusparken Arkitekter + JSTArkitekter
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Architects: JSTArkitekter, Lusparken Arkitekter, Reiulf Ramstad Architects
- Year: 2015
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Manufacturers: Hunter Douglas Architectural (Europe), Fritzøe, Hunter Douglas
V-Lodge / Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
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Architects: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
- Area: 120 m²
- Year: 2013