Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life

Located in Asker, just outside Oslo, Norway, Villa Hesthagen is a 3,767-square-foot single-family residence by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter. Nestled into a sloping site facing open fields and nature, the home is designed to merge clean Scandinavian geometry with serene natural surroundings—and a special connection to music.

A Layout Composed Around the Landscape

The house is entered from the rear elevation, where the slope of the site allows for an upper-level entry. This level contains:

  • Children’s bedrooms
  • Garage and service access

The floor below opens up to the landscape with expansive glazing and high ceilings. It features:

  • A double-height living area, specifically designed to house a grand piano
  • A master bedroom suite with a private en-suite bath
  • Full-height windows on the ground level that frame the landscape and flood the interior with natural light

This two-level arrangement makes full use of the sloping terrain, emphasizing vertical flow and maximizing views from the main living spaces.

Material Simplicity, Natural Beauty

The exterior is clad entirely in untreated larch, chosen for its durability and aesthetic evolution. Over time, the wood will develop a natural grey patina, allowing the house to blend deeper into its woodland surroundings.

The material strategy continues the firm’s commitment to authenticity, longevity, and low-maintenance design.

Light, Music, and Minimalism

Villa Hesthagen exemplifies functional elegance:

  • Interiors are designed to be open, fluid, and acoustically tuned, complementing the musical function of the main space.
  • Large glass surfaces connect the home with nature without compromising thermal performance or spatial intimacy.
  • Clean lines and restrained detailing create a calm interior atmosphere that allows light, music, and landscape to become the focal elements.

Conclusion: A Quietly Expressive Home Near Oslo

With Villa Hesthagen, Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter have created more than just a family home—they’ve designed a quietly expressive retreat, where nature and architecture meet through thoughtful materials and purposeful planning.

Blending acoustic needs, spatial clarity, and environmental sensitivity, this project represents the studio’s continued excellence in sculptural, context-driven Nordic design.

Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life
Photography © Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life
Photography © Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life
Photography © Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life
Photography © Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life
Photography © Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life
Photography © Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Villa Hesthagen by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter: A Timber-Clad Home Tuned to Landscape and Life
Photography © Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

Posted by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter (RRA) is a distinguished architectural firm founded in 1995 by Reiulf Ramstad, with offices in Oslo, Copenhagen, and Aarhus. Renowned for its innovative and context-sensitive designs, RRA has garnered international acclaim for projects that harmoniously integrate architecture with the natural landscape. The firm's philosophy emphasizes the unique character of each site, striving to create architecture that enhances and reflects its surroundings. This approach is evident in notable projects such as the Trollstigen Visitor Centre, which seamlessly blends with Norway's rugged terrain, and the Romsdal Folk Museum, a cultural landmark that embodies regional identity. RRA's portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, including residential homes, cultural institutions, and public spaces, all characterized by a commitment to sustainability and the use of natural materials. Their work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Norwegian Concrete Award and nominations for the Mies van der Rohe Award.