Norwegian architecture firm MORFEUS Architects has completed the Solem Forest House, a contemporary residential project that seamlessly integrates with its natural woodland setting on the outskirts of Oslo. Located in the Solem forest area, just east of the city's main water supply at Maridalsvannet, this 170-square-meter home represents a thoughtful approach to sustainable design and environmental harmony.
The property sits on a gently sloping ridge within a lush landscape characterized by excellent sun exposure, mature pine trees, surrounding forests, and a scattering of traditional wooden houses that define the area's distinctive character. The design team, led by architects Caroline Støvring, Cecilie Wille, Matthew Anderson, and Mari H. Grennæs, developed the project with careful consideration of these existing natural and built elements.
Completed in 2024, the residence showcases MORFEUS Architects' expertise in both architectural design and landscape architecture, as the firm handled both aspects of the project. The structural engineering was provided by PRETRE, while the general contracting was undertaken by Stenberg & Co. Interior design elements were crafted by skilled woodworkers Lars Marki Terjesen and Ulf Koritzinsky, contributing to the home's refined aesthetic.
The house features a material palette that emphasizes wood and glass, reflecting the firm's commitment to using materials that complement the forest environment. The design philosophy centers on creating a structure that respects the natural topography while providing modern living spaces that take advantage of the site's favorable solar orientation and views of the surrounding woodland.
Photographer Finn Ståle Felberg documented the completed project, capturing how the residence integrates with its environment while maintaining a contemporary architectural language. The building products used in the construction include elements from notable manufacturers such as Louis Poulsen, Ifö Electric AB, Møre Royal, SG, and Svenneby Sag og Høvleri, ensuring both quality and aesthetic coherence.
The Solem Forest House demonstrates how contemporary architecture can be sensitively inserted into established natural settings, creating spaces that enhance rather than compete with the existing landscape. This project adds to MORFEUS Architects' portfolio of residential work that prioritizes environmental integration and sustainable design practices in the Norwegian architectural context.
