A Cedar-Clad Cabin With a Glass "Sunroof" Rises on a Hillside in Norway

In Norway, cabin life is a guiding pleasure principle—many Norwegians own or have access to remote hyttes that serve as back-to-nature retreats. When architect Line Solgaard, founder of the eponymous Oslo- and Fredrikstad-based firm, started planning a getaway for her family in the place where she grew up, the design quickly became a group affair. 

"The whole family came up with their wishes for this place, and we had a lot of interesting discussions," Line says. "We all agreed about using natural, lasting materials that age with grace."

Weekend House Fredrikstad is located about 600 feet from the sea on a rocky slope carpeted with pine and oak trees—most of which were preserved during the home’s construction. The cabin only occupies the northeastern section of the site, which leaves a large portion of the waterfront area for outdoor living spaces, which are designed to fit organically into the existing terrain.