Interview about Trekronaa Tiny Cottage, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2022
Trekronaa is a treehouse situated amongst pine trees at Ogna, in the southwest of Norway. The design is inspired by the architects childhood memories of treetops, and the shape of the pine cone. The cabin is lifted from the ground by 3 tilted steel-legs, and is built on a steel frame. The focus during the built, was to mostly use local materials as well as interior details. The cabin is only 15 square meters small, but holds all the functions needed. Due to the small size, is was important to use the space wisely, without letting it compromise the design.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe journey of designing Trekronaa Tiny Cottage began with my childhood love for creating and playing with multipurpose cardboard interiors. As a shy child, I found solace in transforming simple materials into imaginative spaces, which sparked my enduring passion for design. This early creativity laid the foundation for my approach to Trekronaa.Drawing inspiration from pine cones, I envisioned a structure that mirrors their intricate patterns and natural form. Pine cones symbolize resilience and growth, qualities I wanted to embody in the cottage. Integrating Trekronaa among pine trees was essential to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature. I aimed for the cottage to feel like an extension of the forest, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.The design process involved extensive research and experimentation with natural materials, primarily wood, to maintain authenticity and sustainability. I focused on creating a space that is both functional and inviting, with tactile elements that encourage a connection to the environment. The final structure features organic shapes and textures inspired by pine cones, allowing the cottage to capture light and shadow in captivating ways throughout the day.By honoring my childhood-inspired vision, Trekronaa Tiny Cottage stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the importance of creating spaces that resonate with both the inhabitants and the natural world around them.
Designing the Trekronaa Tiny Cottage within 15 square meters involved maximizing vertical space and using smart furniture solutions. I incorporated a large bunk bed to take advantage of the room’s height, with an extra bed tucked underneath to provide additional sleeping space. By using fewer materials and choosing vinyl flooring alongside oak veneer for the walls and ceiling, I created a cohesive and holistic environment. The bathroom continues this continuity with vinyl walls matching the floors. Organic shapes and smaller furniture pieces help the space feel seamless and more spacious, while carefully selected appliances ensure functionality without clutter. These design principles and spatial solutions allowed me to incorporate all essential functions without compromising the cottage’s aesthetic appeal.
Technically, the steel frame provides the necessary strength and durability to support the building, ensuring it remains stable in various weather conditions. The three-legged foundation adds flexibility, allowing the cottage to gently move with the natural shifts and movements of the environment. This flexibility not only maintains structural integrity but also enhances the sensory experience for those inside.Many people find the subtle movement fascinating, as it fosters a deeper connection with the surrounding nature. The floating effect makes the cottage feel integrated and harmonious with the forest, offering a unique and immersive living experience. By combining robust engineering with thoughtful design, the Trekronaa Tiny Cottage achieves both technical excellence and a captivating aesthetic that resonates with its natural setting.
In designing the Trekronaa Tiny Cottage, I balanced the practical challenges of incorporating utilities through the ramp by making the ramp thick enough to discreetly hide all necessary systems. This ensured that the utilities remained out of sight, preserving the seamless connection to nature that defines the project. Additionally, the robust ramp design not only concealed the utilities but also gave the cottage a bolder and more stable appearance.
Our carpenter found it difficult to construct the underpart of the cabin, but his commitment to the design ensured we built it exactly as planned. Additionally, the underpart was thoughtfully designed to house essential technical devices, seamlessly integrating functionality without compromising the cottage’s aesthetic.
To create an immersive natural experience in the Trekronaa Tiny Cottage, I focused on using a minimal variety of materials to maintain harmony with the environment. I chose Accoya for the cladding of the walls, base, and roof because its durability and natural appearance provide a cohesive and unified aesthetic. This consistency helps the cottage blend seamlessly into the forest setting. Additionally, the spatial arrangements were designed to maximize views for stargazing and bird watching, featuring large windows and an open layout that invites nature inside.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award was a meaningful recognition of my commitment to sustainable architecture and the use of local materials. The Trekronaa Tiny Cottage perfectly reflects my philosophy by emphasizing a sustainable size, which minimizes environmental impact while providing all necessary functions. Its design allows the cottage to be easily removed from its natural setting without leaving a trace, ensuring that the surrounding landscape remains pristine.
The Trekronaa Tiny Cottage blends hotel-like comfort with forest immersion through several key design elements. High-quality natural materials like oak veneer and Accoya cladding create a warm, inviting atmosphere while connecting to nature. Large strategically placed windows flood the space with natural light and offer stunning forest views, fostering openness and tranquility.The well-designed layout features a spacious bunk bed and multifunctional furniture, making the compact 15 square meters feel both luxurious and practical. Vinyl flooring in the bathroom ensures durability and easy maintenance without sacrificing aesthetics. Organic shapes and minimalist furnishings enhance the seamless integration with the forest environment, while soft ambient lighting mimics natural light cycles for a cozy ambiance.The steel frame and three-legged foundation give the cottage a floating appearance and provide a stable yet flexible structure that harmonizes with the forest's natural movements. These elements together ensure the cottage offers both the comfort and functionality of a hotel and an immersive, serene forest retreat.
Throughout the journey of the Trekronaa Tiny Cottage, I encountered several unexpected discoveries that have shaped my approach to future projects. One significant challenge was planning the oblique windows, which required some extra planning.Additionally, the under part of the cottage evolved into a new facade design for me. This unexpected development allowed me to explore how structural elements can enhance the overall aesthetic, creating a more cohesive and dynamic exterior. These insights have reinforced the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for innovation, inspiring me to integrate unique architectural features and adaptable designs in my upcoming projects.
I envision Trekronaa contributing to the broader dialogue by demonstrating that sustainable, nature-integrated architecture is both practical and beautiful. This design encourages architects and homeowners to adopt eco-friendly, minimalist living solutions that respect and enhance the natural environment.
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