The Arctic Hideaway, Fleinvær

The Arctic Hideaway is a group of small buildings scattered across the Fleinvær archipelago in northern Norway. The site hosts artists in residence from many countries, around a principle of deliberate retreat and quiet work.

The facades are clad in Kebony, chosen for its performance in a harsh winter climate exposed to wind, salt and long periods of humidity. One of the volumes is suspended, which required specific study of wind resistance and of the loads on the frame.

The brief called for a durable structure with no recurring maintenance, hard to guarantee on a remote site reached by boat. Kebony modified wood, impregnated with a bio-based liquid, meets that constraint and greys naturally, bringing the buildings closer to the mineral tones of the Norwegian coast. Client: Håvard Lund.