- Project: Villa Hesthagen
- Architect: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
- Location: Norway, Oslo
- Year: 2008
- Area: 350 m2
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.
