Stepped concrete roof creates seaside viewpoint atop Norwegian retreat by Lund Hagem
This small seaside holiday home by Norwegian studio Lund Hagem nestles against a cliff, and features a stepped concrete roof that doubles as a viewing platform (+ slideshow).
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_4.jpg)
Designed as a summer residence for one of the Oslo studio's founding partners, the 30-square-metre retreat sits on a rocky site in Sandefjord on Norway's south-east coast.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-kim-muller-photography-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_14.jpg)
Wedged between weather-beaten boulders double its height, Cabin Knapphullet is protected from extreme weather conditions. Its wall are glazed, but it is sheltered beneath a chunky concrete roof.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-kim-muller-photography-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_2.jpg)
"The project began as an idea for how to utilise a naturally sheltered area surrounded by large rocks and dense vegetation," said the architects.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_3.jpg)
"The new building has a distinctive free-spanning roof," they added. "It folds down to the ground, creating a ramp up to a viewing platform connecting to the upper cliff."
The roof slopes up from the ground and angles to join the rock face. Steps cast into the sloping plane lead up to a flat surface at the top, which is framed by slender balustrades so as not to obstruct the views.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_1.jpg)
"The idea developed to create a way to climb up from this shelter to see the panoramic view over the sea, which led to the characteristic shape of the roof: a stepped ramp leads up from the terrain to the roof," said the architects.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-kim-muller-sandefjord-norway-dezeen_936_5.jpg)
A matching concrete patio fits around the rocky outcrops and provides a sheltered outdoor area with an open fire. This area is accessed from the north of the site via a meandering trail that runs through a wooded area.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-kim-muller-photography-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_11.jpg)
A concrete bench extends along one side of the patio and through a glass wall into the small residence, which also has concrete floors and is warmed by a wood-burning stove.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-kim-muller-photography-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_5.jpg)
The ceiling is covered with slender strips of basket-woven oak. Some walls are made with sawn oak, but the majority are made of glass to open up sea views.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-kim-muller-photography-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_4.jpg)
An oak sleeping platform is suspended from the ceiling, above the small living space and a bathroom at ground level. This elevated sleeping arrangement, alongside a basement, helps to make the most of the building's small footprint.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-kim-muller-photography-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_936_10.jpg)
Lund Hagem was set up in 1990 and is directed by five partners: Svein Lund, Einar Hagem, Mette Røsbekk, Per Suul and Kristine Strøm-Gundersen. The studio previously won a competition to design a library in Oslo.
Photography is by Kim Müller of Lund Hagem, unless stated otherwise.
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-svein-lund-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_site-plan_.gif)
![Cabin Knapphullet by Lund Hagem](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/01/cabin-knapphullet-lund-hagem-svein-lund-sandefjord-norway_dezeen_section_.gif)