The Writers’ Cottage – Inspiration By Design

Sometimes we know the goal but cannot identify the means. You just have to figure that out on the way. This is what did the customers of an architecture firm in Oslo, the Norwegian capital, two writers seeking true inspiration. And the architects gave them the right corner to do so. This small annex is located in the garden of two professionals in a suburban residential area. The clients wanted a space that would allow them to isolate themselves to focus on their writing and work, while at the same time offering a generous view over the surroundings. Their intention was that the project would work as an alternative to a cottage in the countryside, the design company explained on its website Jva.no.

The tiny house is located at the edge of a north-facing slope towards a railway station, with dense shrubs below and on either side. To maximize the view, the entire north facing façade consists of glass, providing ample natural light for the workspace inside. In order to not obstruct the view, the desk is made completely out of glass. All of this makes the space seem lifted above the surrounding landscape. The project rises in height towards the south, in order to reach above the neighbor’s hedge and allow direct sunlight to flow in to the interior.

 

Nothing is random in the cottage design. The south elevation is narrow, to avoid too much sunlight that could disturb the workplace, and provide privacy. The shape of the building is a result of the shift from the wide and low north elevation to the tall and narrow south elevation. Volumes containing a reading chair and a mezzanine protrude from the main volume.

The interiors were also designed to help the two writers focus in the activity. Thus, the interior is kept deliberately in dark, natural colors and materials to contrast the large glass surfaces, a chromatic balance. In an ingenious manner, the stair doubles as a bookcase and has a guard made of heavy rope, which also guards the loft above.