Norway's Dovrefjell park has become a remarkable destination for wildlife watching since the construction of the Tverrfjellhytta pavilion. The building was designed by the Norwegian studio Snøhetta.
The Tverrfjellhytta pavilion of the Wild Reindeer Centre is situated on a plateau 1,200 metres above sea level, serving as an observation point and venue for the educational programmes of the Wild Reindeer Foundation. The building stands on the edge of Dovrefjell National Park, reached by a one-and-a-half-kilometre trail.
Dovrefjell is a natural habitat for many rare animals and plants, including reindeer and musk ox. Mount Snøhetta, visible from the pavilion, forms part of the Dovrefjell mountain range. These mountains hold a significant place in Norwegian cultural identity, owing to the folktales, myths and historical events associated with them.
Snøhetta's architects sent the completed 3D models to shipbuilders on Norway's western coast, who then crafted the individual components from timber
The pavilion's primary construction materials are steel, timber and glass. The building itself is metal and weathered to rust, its colour echoing the surrounding landscape. Vast windows offer sweeping views of the park and mountains. Particular attention, however, is drawn to the interior's timber elements. Snøhetta's architects sent the completed 3D models to shipbuilders on Norway's western coast, who then crafted the individual components from timber. These components were subsequently fastened together using staples, with no nails or adhesive.
The form of the timber interior evokes a rock or glacier shaped by wind and water erosion. Visitors sit on the benches, warmed by a fireplace, and take in the landscape.
Beyond aesthetics, a key objective during construction was to design a building capable of enduring the harsh northern climate for many years. This guiding principle informed the choice of materials, selected for their resilience to severe weather conditions.
Snøhetta
Snøhetta began as a collaborative architecture and landscape practice and has remained true to its interdisciplinary ethos ever since. The interplay between multiple disciplines is the driving force behind all of the studio's work, as reflected in its long history of integrating landscape and architecture. The practice combines traditional craftsmanship with the most advanced digital technologies. Snøhetta also emphasises its commitment to the individuality of its staff, which it regards as central to the creative process. Gender equality, as well as national, ethnic and generational diversity, are equally important to the way the studio works.
Photos: diephotodesigner.de, Ketil Jacobsen, Roger Brennhagen
On a related note, we recommend our feature on ten observation platforms offering equally breathtaking views.
The Tverrfjellhytta pavilion bears the hallmarks of organic architecture, a subject we explored in a dedicated article.
