The development of an apartment in Stavanger: The apartment is situated on the top floor of a building previously used by the Norwegian Canning School, a historically significant industry within the region. The building was officially opened by King Haakon VII on the 16th of September 1952. The Kings presence demonstrated the importance of the region´s canning industry and subsequent education to the nation. The renovation and transformation of the old school building to apartments began in 2018 and was completed by the summer of 2020. The building was divided into 22 apartments. The apartments are divided over only 4 levels and give the residents both a visual and physical connection to the natural environment which surrounds them. Connection to nature The idea of connecting with nature was a cornerstone to the plan´s development. This is also a traditional mindset in nordic architecture and design and was made easy by the fact that the building is set beside a beautiful open parkland with beech and chestnut trees to one side. The building is situated in an older area of the city with many historic residences to the North-West and a view over the Ryfylke mountains to the South. The apartment has floor to ceiling windows that help blur the line between interior and exterior so we orientated the interior with views over the landscape to create different experiences. The ever-changing weather from dramatic storms rolling over the North Sea to the golden autumn sun which hangs low in the sky have guided the planning and informed various decisions throughout the design. The apartment is part of the natural environment whilst simultaneously contrasting the challenging nordic climate by creating a warm, comfortable interior. Nordic idea of cosiness The harsh climate means that we, here in Norway spend a lot of time indoors though it is also a land of leisure. On average we have over 6 hours everyday of free time after sleep, work and house duties are accounted for. We are amongst the world leaders in the renovation of properties, which greatly influence our national economy. This means that we are often at home and regularly invite people over. We traditionally create cosy places and this feeling was important to our client. In addition the apartment had to be functional. It not only had to operate as a great living space but a home office as well as a great place to entertain family and friends. Planning The large 152m2 apartment is planned around a central fireplace which opens onto the lounge, kitchen and entry. In nordic tradition the fireplace is a central design element of every home, creating a feeling of warmth and inclusion. Although families don’t huddle around the fire for warmth as they used to, it is still seen as an inclusive environment and the heart of the home. Nothing is placed in front of the windows so that as much light as possible can filter through the apartment. Daylight plays an important role, especially in wintertime and therefore the apartment is designed with the idea of creating a sense of belonging to light and nature. The kitchen and dining area along with the lounge creates the central living area, the heart of the apartment. All of these areas also encourage intimate and cozy spaces where the occupants can be alone. The lounge can be divided with the use of bespoke glass sliding doors. One room then transforms into a typical TV room with soft, inviting sofas whilst the other becomes a more traditional library where one can enjoy a good book or some quiet time with a fantastic view. The apartment has two bedrooms and an ensuite. The guest room also functions as a home office and both have access to the terrace. The apartment has its own laundry with bespoke decor and smart clothes racks among other things. A private elevator is used to access the apartment whilst the entry envelops the elevator shaft and has specifically designed storage cabinets around the walls for all those winter coats and boots. The ceiling height is 2.6m giving a lofty and open feel to the space. The ceilings are white painted plaster with a shadow line detail at the wall intersection creating a floating effect. Along the outer walls the curtain rails are recessed into the ceiling giving the impression that the curtains, which run from floor to ceiling, continue up. Recessed LED strip lights are placed across the centre of the apartment creating a warmth that washes over the bespoke furnishings and fosters an intimate atmosphere. The ceiling is simple and eloquently punctuated with recessed minimalist fixtures from Kreon ranging from specifically placed spots to lighting rails. All fixtures are black giving a sober and masculine expression. The sound system is integrated into the lighting recesses with the subwoofer in the ceiling creating a magical surround sound experience with additional speakers in each room. Colour palette The color palette is neutral with numerous warm greys throughout. We have used a lot of timber to strengthen the natural, nordic expression contrasting it with the luxury of Italian marble and stone. The materials have different textures and surfaces that allow the light to reflect the changing mood throughout the day or season depending on how the light falls within the space. We also worked to create nuances and depth in the interiors, which are best showcased within the open area around the hearth. This space is clad with vertical oak creating a course texture in contrast to the rooms either side strengthening a sense of threshold and designation of space between the kitchen and lounge. The floor is laid in broad, gray toned oak boards. These are a constant thought the apartment generating a sense of fluidity within the open plan. The bathroom is tiled in Italian stone creating an elegant and classic feel. All walls are painted in varied grey tones from mid grey to a very dark grey and all rooms except for the bathroom have heavy velour curtains which help modify the rooms according to the lighting conditions. Lighting We wanted the lighting to be very functional and positioned where required. This creates a dialogue between shadow and light giving depth and intrigue to the space. A lot of indirect lighting has been employed using recessed LED strip lights in the ceiling. This light is softly reflected around the room and off furniture, bringing texture to the fore. A masculine and mostly integrated lighting scheme is employed with the exception of a few curated pendants throughout the apartment including Lindsey Adelman chandelier, which hangs in pride of place above the dining table. The fixtures are restrained and are strictly black whilst the lighting tone is warm to enhance the cozy feeling in the apartment. Furniture The furniture is responsible for creating the room zones as apposed to the use of traditional walls. Most of the furniture and cabinetry is bespoke although parts of the kitchen and wardrobes were ordered from the Italian company, Poliform. Contrasting textures have been chosen for the furniture to create variation whilst the colour palette is restrained. An exception to this restraint is the repeated use of the burnt cognac colour seen in a number of areas. This amplifies the warmth of the environment whilst supporting its nordic feel. Kitchen The kitchen has an important place in the home. Here the family can spend time together every day, invite friends for meals or just relax and chat. The kitchen incorporates one wall of floor to ceiling cupboards and another with high cupboards, bench and under-bench storage. The central island has a grey-brown marble bench top which houses the hob and under-bench oven. This bench-top is mirrored on the back bench. The kitchen is clad exclusively in dark, matt oak. High glazed cupboards on the back wall offer reflections of Lidsey Adelman´s chandelier over the dining table. The chandelier is hand-blown darkened glass designed to resemble a branch with leaves that harmonizes with the trees in the adjacent parkland. The dining chairs are a burnt cognac coloured leather which gives additional warmth to the room. All the colours embrace the hand woven rug placed under the dining table. The oak window frames perfectly form and set the view whilst defining the room as a whole. 2. Fireplace. The fireplace is designed as the central element of the apartment. It is visible from the kitchen, lounge and entry. The walls are painted in a calm deep grey colour allowing the flames to take center stage. 3. Window seats. Two soft lounge chairs sit by the windows, not to crowd the view but to act almost as though they are part of the landscape. One has an ottoman and both have their own side tables that can be easily positioned. A low coffee table from B&B can be used to house books and supports a singular black lamp used to further illuminate the area on a cloudy day. The chairs are covered in a flat grey fabric with cognac colored leather cushions, the same as the chairs in the dining area. 4. Library and Lounge. The deep, soft sofas siting opposite each other give an intimate and social setting when guests visit. A specifically designed bookshelf with integrated LEDs highlights the Italian grey-brown marble behind the shelf. The marble gives a calm but luxurious look to the decor and acts as a backdrop to the books within. The light floor rug frames the zone whilst at the same time allows a connection to the TV lounge. The dark sofas wing the black marble coffee table whilst the marble´s golden veins mirror the cognac coloured leather cushions. 5. TV lounge Specifically designed glazed sliding doors allow the lounge to be closed off. The room has enormous floor to ceiling windows on two sides framing treed views over the parklands. Two daybeds are covered in a thick, soft fabric to give an extra level of comfort. They are grey with elements of green that harmonize nicely with the moss green throw pillows and pickup on the dark veins running through the floor rug. Between the daybeds sit two small side tables that can be moved when required whilst behind the innermost daybed lies a low console table. A Bocci pendant hangs over the console table and reflects the grey and beige tones of the room. The furniture is framed by a light coloured floor rug that contrasts nicely with the dark oak timber floor on which it sits. The furniture in the room is orientated towards a Bang Olufsen TV. 6. Entry. The entry has access from the stairs and a private elevator. The elevator shaft is painted a deep colour so the vertical oak timber cladding stands out against the wall. The entry has two bespoke wardrobes that blend in so as not to clutter the space with only some small details revealed including an LED backlight mirror and a small lamp. All the wardrobe handles are recessed, this detail is repeated throughout the apartment. The entry also has specifically designed floor to ceiling glass sliding doors with bespoke metal detailing. These doors open onto the adjacent rooms within the apartment and the frames have been fully recessed and painted to match the walls to allow a seamless transition. 7. Guest room. The colours used in the guest room are the same as those used throughout the apartment though this room has a dual purpose, it also functions as a home office. A specifically designed study nook with room for a laptop is winged by floor to ceiling storage on either side. The desk is lit with integrated LED strip lighting under the overhead shelf. Warm light is thrown down over the vertical oak panelled backboard and across the study nook. The room also opens onto its own private balcony. 8. Bathroom. The bathroom has a tiled floor and walls with specifically designed decor to match the colours seen in the kitchen and the rest of the apartment. The vertical timber panelling matches that in the hallway but the sink is specifically designed with a small corian up-stand that protrudes just above the bench top. The wall hung tap-ware from Vola is such that the vanity details can stand out. A single pendant from Bocci hangs above the mirror and throws a soft light throughout the bathroom. 9. Laundry. The laundry is designed to accommodate the clients active lifestyle. A hanging space has been designed to dry and hang business shirts as well as active wear. The laundry has its own access to the terrace so clothes and equipment can be air-dried outside when the weather permits. 10. Main rooms. The clients bedroom is secluded with its own access to the terrace. It is dark grey in colour and the walls and wardrobes blend seamlessly. The wardrobes have a built-in seat with mirror and low suitcase storage. The furniture including the moss green bed is framed by a light grey floor rug. A masculine pendant from Roll & Hill hangs over the lone bedside table. All the lighting, heaters and fire can be controlled by telephone, so one has no need to leave the bed or lounge to alter the temperature or ambiance of the space. The bedroom has its own ensuite which is made private by tinted, patterned glass doors. This bathroom is tiled in Italian stone and has a large shower complete with a backlit soap niche. The detailing and colour scheme in this room follows the rest of the apartment and the repeating vertical oak panelling detail while simple, presents the apartment as a whole. 11. Whole. The simplicity and functionality of the apartment was at the request of the client. With this brief in mind, our goal was to create a complete design where all parts together achieved a singular fluid and functional design that was characterized by warmth and was true to the nordic tradition and way of life. The client wanted a modern space but with the inclusion of luxurious elements that he experienced whilst traveling the world.