Nordic Office of Architecture

Varden Ski Restaurant

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad

VARDEN SKI RESTAURANT 

Nordic Office of Architecture

PHOTOGRAPHS
Knut Ramstad

YEAR
2020

AREA
250 m²

CATEGORY
Restaurant

LOCATION
Favang, Norway

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad

Right on the tree line, where the forest becomes an open wind-swept mountain plateau, lies Varden restaurant (“The Cairn”).

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad

Situated in the Olympic village of Kvitfjell, in the heart of the Norwegian mountain landscape, the restaurant offers a grand 360-degree view for its visitors.

The clientele usually consists of alpine and cross-country skiers seeking refuge from the wind and snow, or just a nice sunny spot to enjoy a good meal before continuing their adventures.

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad

Influenced by traditional farms in the vicinity, a small cluster of buildings, so close they are almost touching, provide shelter from the wind and snow while remaining open towards the best views.

Two of the buildings are already constructed, each with its own character and directionality.

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad

The cluster is yet to be completed by a third building, finalising the sheltered outdoor space.

Building on local traditions, the restaurant is constructed and clad in timber inside and outside and topped with a grass roof.

The timber cladding is carefully detailed with a variety of patterns and connections.

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad

These natural materials are highly sustainable and provide a low carbon footprint, while also ensuring that the much-desired mountain atmosphere is maintained.

For the interiors, we had the great pleasure of designing bespoke furniture pieces like the fireplace, bar counter, and restaurant tables in massive oak.

The fireplace is an important feature in Norwegian mountain cabins and lends to the friendly, familiar feel of Varden.

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad

It is a gathering place where friends and families cozy up to watch the flames and warm up after frosty adventures.

Lighting, furniture, and other design elements were meticulously chosen to complement the bespoke pieces and add to the unique character of the place.

The building and interiors are designed to create a casual frame around the restaurant experience, where diners are gathered and protected from the elements.

Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad


Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad
Varden Ski Restaurant
© Knut Ramstad


Varden Ski Restaurant
Section
Varden Ski Restaurant
Elevation - East


Varden Ski Restaurant
Plan - Ground floor
Varden Ski Restaurant
Section


Varden Ski Restaurant
Elevation - South

Nordic Office of Architecture
T +47 22 930900 M +47 920 62885
Nordic Office of Architecture
Kongens gate 21, 0153 Oslo, Norway