Courtyard Houses for the "Best West", in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter
27/01/2023.
[Ullerntoppen - Oslo] Norway
metalocus, ANDRÉS BLANCO
metalocus, ANDRÉS BLANCO
Norwegian architecture studio R21 Arkitekter was commissioned to create a group of single-family homes in the northwestern suburban periphery, an elevated area known as "the best west", parcelled out in the 1920s and close to the centre of Oslo, Norway.
The project is made up of 6 terraced houses with good spatial articulation, carefully adapting to the topography of the land of the plot, which has a slight slope. A difference in height improves the conditions of sunlight and visibility into each house from the south.
The project is made up of 6 terraced houses with good spatial articulation, carefully adapting to the topography of the land of the plot, which has a slight slope. A difference in height improves the conditions of sunlight and visibility into each house from the south.
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio
Access floor plan. Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter.
First floor plan. Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter.
Section. Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter.
Elevation. Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter.
R21 Arkitekter designed a set of houses organized in two parallel rows around a common access path, which connects them at different heights. The L-shaped implantation together with the repetition of the same generates the exterior zones, a series of protected zones that allow a certain degree of privacy both to meet and to differentiate the accesses.
The program is organized with a ground floor that houses the common areas and an upper floor where there are four bedrooms and two toilets. Constructively, the project uses brick as a visual base, generating a stone element to the north that houses the stairs and toilets. To the south, the wooden structure and the large glass openings take advantage of their orientation to enjoy the views and natural light.
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio.
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio.
The program is organized with a ground floor that houses the common areas and an upper floor where there are four bedrooms and two toilets. Constructively, the project uses brick as a visual base, generating a stone element to the north that houses the stairs and toilets. To the south, the wooden structure and the large glass openings take advantage of their orientation to enjoy the views and natural light.
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio.
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio.
Project description by R21 Arkitekter
The plot is located in an area with single-family housing - mainly detached houses. The project consists of 6 smaller units which, through the use of durable materials, a special focus on a good adaptation to the terrain and a timeless architectural expression, form a whole that blends into the existing environment.
The project is carefully positioned in relation to the plot's topography, patios, visibility and light conditions. By following the site's steep terrain, a height difference is achieved that improves sun and visibility conditions into each house from the south. A subtle horizontal displacement of the buildings enhances the grip. The houses are organized in two rows mirrored around a common access road. The different heights are connected via this, while the different levels help to create sheltered zones for entrance areas and informal meeting places.
Each building is composed of one closed and one open side. In the assembly of the buildings, a sheltered atrium is thus formed adjacent to the open side; in meeting with the neighbouring building's closed side. In a dense building, you achieve an openness and view that still safeguards the need for privacy.
Courtyard Houses in Ullerntoppen by R21 Arkitekter. Photograph by Mariela Apollonio.
It was important to choose materials that could meet the ground in a natural way. The closed base, as well as the walls delimiting the inner walkway, are made of brick. The material underpins the weight of the base and gives the house natural anchoring. Where the building opens up to the view and lets in light, the design is made of wood. The light construction forms lines that extend out from the building volumes and form patios and niches that weave the buildings together.
More information
Architects
Builder
Entreprenør 1.
Area
6 x 220 m².
Dates
Completion year.- 2022.
Localización
Ullerntoppen, Oslo, Norway.
Photography
Mariela Apollonio. Fotógrafa de arquitectura.
Thomas Thorsnes. R21 Arkitekter
R21 Arkitekter is a based-Oslo architecture practice, led by Thomas Thorsnes, that sees architecture through the social, cultural, economic, geographical and environmental context it is to be a part of. Viewing every factor affecting the project as an opportunity, R21 strive to exploit each and everyone without being committed to any. Their projects are therefore able to give more back to the clients, the community and the environment.
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