Situated 1,066 m (3,497 ft) above sea level in Norway, the construction of Cabin Ustaoset posed a challenge due to the lack of road access, and both helicopter and snow scooter were required to deliver materials. It was clearly worth the extra effort though, as the handsome cabin provides an amazing view that includes a lake, mountain range and large glacier.
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Cabin Ustaoset is raised slightly atop concrete pillars and has a total floorspace of 72 sq m (775 sq ft). It includes two bedrooms, one combined living room and bedroom, and two lofts, sleeping a maximum of 13 people thanks to bunk beds. There's also a kitchen and dining area and at least one bathroom.
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The decor is very clean and simple, and reminds us of other Norwegian cabins we've reported on, such as the Skåpet Mountain Lodges and Cabin Vindheim. Designer and owner Jon Danielsen Aarhus says the interior design was inspired by a gapahuk shelter, an improvised Norwegian shelter consisting of two posts with a horizontal log on top, and branches against it.
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The idea was to make full use of the natural views on offer, and to this end Aarhus installed a large glazed wall facing the best view. The glazing throughout is pretty generous though and the glass used is triple-glazed solar protective glass, to reduce solar heat gain.
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There's actually a nice backstory to Cabin Ustaoset, too. Aarhus' grandparents formerly maintained a cabin on the same spot. Materials from this old cabin were taken and reused for the new cabin's construction, including old floorboards and reclaimed wood. A small secondary cabin remains on the site, which is being used as an annex.
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The new cabin follows the same rough footprint as the old, having already proven ideal for snow distribution (no need to dig out the door in winter, for example). This also meant that the existing vegetation was not unduly disturbed. Aarhus used manual tools rather than heavy machinery to carefully lay the groundwork so as to not destroy the greenery.
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We've no word on how Cabin Ustaoset gets its power, but would guess a generator or solar power and batteries are used in such an isolated area. The project was completed in 2016, however there's still a little work left to do – Aarhus plans to use some leftover materials to use to construct an outbuilding later this year.
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COMMENTARY: Love the minimalist architectural design and decor of Cabin Ustaoset. I enjoy being in the backwoods and the use of all natural, recycled wood throughout the cabin blends well with the rustic environment of Norway. If you want to be away from it all, you gotta love this cabin. Works great for families with kids, because you can pack them ito the bunkbeds, no problem, and I just know they would love climbing the stairs to get to their beds. Would love to build something similar when I win the Lotto. LOL.
Courtesy of an article dated March 30, 2017 appearing in New Atlas
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