In a remote area of Senja’s western coast, the hotel is planned as an intimate nature hotel, sitting on an islet overlooking the Norwegian Sea and the mountainous peninsula. Designed to harmonize with its context, the hotel fulfills Norrøna’s mission to inspire people to “explore nature and foster a community around outdoor experiences.” Reflected deeply in the design, the hotel echoes this oneness with nature. In fact, it is designed to feature individual lodges all connected by one large stone roof that mimics the nearby mountains.
Aiming to disolve the boundaries between nature and architecture, the hotel spans approximately 1,800 square meters. Featuring 24 guest rooms, a restaurant, a sauna, and a conservatory, the hotel offers intimate retreats focused on community building around shared adventures. Furthermore, the lodges are arranged in a circle around the restaurant, acting as a communal gathering point after a day of exploration.
Emerging from the ground in a fragmented formation, the hotel draws all inspiration from the surrounding landscape. In fact, it is made to act as if it has naturally accumulated over time, forming fragments along the shore. Dorte Mandrup uses the landscape to inform the design, creating a building that “dissolves in nature.” Boasting a stone roof inspired by the rock and slate-covered mountain, the structure is also inspired by glacial movements. From above, the building nearly disappears into the terrain.
