Årestua
The cabin Årestua – an old Norwegian name for a log cabin with an open roof instead of a chimney – is built for a family of four. It is situated in a remote forest area in Eastern Telemark, Norway, an area known for its impressive nature and traditions of building and handcraft, but also reputed as the last white spot on the Norwegian maps, as the Telemarkings had a reputation for killing visiting non-locals back in the day. Luckily, the region has become a lot more welcoming in recent centuries.
The cabin is arranged around a central volume containing the main dwelling areas and kitchen, and four adjacent ‘outhouses’ – two for sleeping, one for entrance and storage, and the tower, a vertically organised space for retreating, especially loved by the family’s two young children and their friends.
The traditional open fire has been replaced by a modern wood-burning stove in the middle of the cabin, heating the whole space. And the open roof to let out the smoke has turned into a centrally positioned roof light.
The ‘outhouses’ are located in each corner of the central volume, providing different, thoroughly planned views of the surrounding forest and of the valley beneath, but also to the territory of a golden eagle nesting close by.
The spaces forming between the ‘outhouses’ become sheltered areas for sitting outdoors, eating, or enjoying the sun in the snow – a favourite Norwegian pastime.
