Spirit of the forest

Set among the trees, thus cabin surveys a remote area of Norway where nature takes centre stage

Drive northeast from Oslo, heading towards the region known as Finnskogen and the flat landscape gradually gives way to thick forest. Turning on to a narrow road, the only light is from the moon reflecting off the blanket of snow, until, all of a sudden, glowing triangular structures appear high in the air. These unique cabins, perched atop slender steel legs, belong to journalist Kristian Rostad and actor Christine Mowinckel who took over Østby farm in Gjesåsen some years ago. Having left behind their hectic lives in Oslo to settle down in this rural part of Norway, they decided to create something special on their new land, enlisting the help of architect Espen Surnevik. ‘It was a dream project from the start,’ he says. ‘Kristian and Christine wanted something out of the ordinary, which would reflect the characteristics of the area. I’m from the west coast where you hardly see a tree; everything is about the sea and rocks. Finnskogen is exactly the opposite.’

Reflecting on how humans both fear and feel protected by the forest, Surnevik took inspiration from Finnish author Tove Jansson’s Moomin books, in which the characters live in spire-topped homes in the woods. As it wasn’t possible to build the cabins in the trees themselves, Surnevik contacted engineer Finn-Erik Nilsen, who constructed the eight-metrehigh metal frames that raise these compact cabins into the canopy. ‘The effect is the same,’ says Surnevik. ‘You get a playful feeling climbing upwards.’

Incredibly, the 40-square-metre retreats, which are clad internally in white spruce, can sleep up to six people. Both sofas double as beds, while two extra beds flip down from the slanting walls. A black timber box in the middle of the open-plan room is home to both a bathroom and kitchen, with the main bedroom located on a mezzanine above. ‘We would have more space if the roof had been flat, but the A-frame creates a pleasing, lofty feel,’ explains Surnevik. ‘Plus, snow glides right off the pitched roof, which is a practical solution in an area of heavy snowfall.’

There’s a luxurious sense of total disconnection here, with the intentional lack of wi-fi encouraging guests to enjoy each other’s company, the wildlife and the spectacular views. High among the treetops, it’s as if the world outside the forest ceases to exist. espensurnevik.no; panhytter.no

There's a luxurious sense of total disconnection here

Above Owners Kristian Rostad and Christine Mowinckel Living area The custom-built sofa, crafted using wood from the surrounding forest, features two cushion pads, one of which can be used as an additional mattress, while two further beds fold out of the slanting walls. For a similar black side table, try the ‘Key’ by GamFratesi for Hem. The bespoke dining table, formed of white-pigmented spruce and black steel, also folds down from the wall

Kitchen Set in the middle of the cabin, this cleverly organised space is black to contrast with the pale spruce. A wooden chopping board by Eva Solo, a ceramic cup from Granit and an ‘Edge’ bowl by Stilleben for Skagerak decorate the counter This page Beds fold out of the walls to offer extra sleeping space in the main living area, below, made up, and left, tidied away

Stove This wood-burning stove by Norwegian company Jøtul is situated beside the staircase that leads to the main bedroom. Its flames provide enough warmth to keep this whole cabin perfectly cosy Bedroom Tucked into the peak of the cabin’s steeply pitched roof, this bespoke steel bedframe is topped with ‘Cecilie’ sheets from Norwegian brand Høie See Stockists page for details