Gapahuk
A tribute to the landscape

2016–2017

Architecture, Interior Architecture

Introduction

For Rindalshytter, Norway's leading producer of leisure homes, Snøhetta has designed the cabin Gapahuk. Combining tradition and innovation, Gapahuk is intended to be a readymade cabin that fits into nearly any scene – whether in the mountains, the forest, or the sea. Focus has been put on designing a flexible cabin concerning wind and sun conditions that can adapt to various terrains and environments.

Technical details

Typologies
Recreation, Residential
Status
Completed
Client

Rindalshytter

Size
Approx. 100m2

Photo: Mir

Photo: THT Foto

A social space

Gapahuk is a social cabin. Its layout gives priority to the common areas. A spacious indoor living room and kitchen, as well as generous outdoor patios, create spaces where people can spend time together. The cabin further holds three bedrooms, sanitary facilities, and a storage space. These are kept more moderate in size, keeping the cabin's footprint to a minimum. The compact building body is part of the building's environmental strategy, making it easy to heat up.

Protects from wind and sun

The cabin's name, Gapahuk, is a Norwegian word for a simple wooden structure with two or three walls and a roof. It's often made to create shelter from rough weather conditions. Drawing inspiration from the traditional gapahuk, the cabin is shaped to adapt to various weather conditions. The twisting roof creates a two-way gapahuk that protects from wind and sun. The angled roof surfaces can be used for energy production by placing solar panels on them, making it possible to have a cabin off the grid.