Refugium of a Forester | GIPP arkitektur

The nature reserve of Grimeton is part of Åkulla beech woods area east of the city of Varberg. It is a dramatic nature where the forester’s house and service building are solitarily placed.
 
The forester’s house is quietly functional with its dark and reserved facade where only the entrance breaks the otherwise austere exterior. At the end of the walk along the ridge towards the house, a sight line through the entrance and the building provides a first glimpse of the magnificent view of the woods and the lake, which with its mist creates an almost bewitching atmosphere.
 
The two volumes in tarred wood stand on an open foundation and are refined by details in cast in place concrete, zinc and teak. The volumes are distinct and the details are carefully designed to express the architectural Gestalt of these two buildings.
 
The varying wood facade folds in under the volume, its corners are mitered and it follows the projecting and indented parts, on the exterior as well as on the interior. The window details are made out of teak, while the fireplace and other surfaces that get exposed to much wear are cast in concrete.
 
The client’s intention is that the forest with all of its mysteries should be treated respectfully. There is also a fascination for wood as building material. All materials are sustainable in the sense that they will age gracefully.
 
This is where the forester works, needing space and the right conditions to be able to perform rational forestry, as well as space for recreation.
 
1st prize - Swedish Magazine of Architecture, emerging architecture,
 
Team: Petra Gipp, Katarina Lundebrg, Veronica Carlsson