Villa Faun, Norway – A Swiss pearl for the world

A generous roof wraps a complex form

What at first glance appears to be a single-family villa enclosed by an enormous pitched-roof with timber-clad eaves, are actually four separate apartment units.

This project is featured in the Swisspearl Architecture #27. Subscribe to our magazine to get the printed issue or download the PDF from the download area on our website.

Villa Faun is an apartment complex located in the northwest slope of Oslo with a panoramic view over the city and the Oslo Fjord in the distance. The surrounding neighborhood is characterized by various types of Norwegian houses built during the last century. The concept of the design team was to bring together a unifying identity to the project, while creating private, individual units. The building is carefully positioned on the site and oriented to frame views and natural daylight for indoor and outdoor spaces. Villa Faun has a pitched-roof created according to the functions and surroundings.

Together with northern and southern façades, the roof creates a massive, timber-clad envelope. The other two façades contrast with the envelope in form, material, and color and are characterized by playful projections and cutouts clad in large-format, off-white Swisspearl panels that give individual identity to each unit. This playfulness reduces the scale of the façades and creates a dynamic form, while the overarching timber envelope balances the overall expression, making Villa Faun appear both calm and playful.

The architecture has a unique character, while at the same time fitting with the surrounding context and the traditional villas in the neighborhood. Due to the sloping terrain, the volumes are designed with split-levels, so that both apartments on the ground floor have direct access to the garden. The split-level also creates extra height for the upper apartments and an extra mezzanine floor within building height regulations.

In order to maximize green areas and create more enjoyable outdoor spaces, the parking garage is located underground. The massive timber envelope is visible in the interior, integrating various functions, including fireplaces, kitchen units, and ventilation, in addition to built-in benches and deep window reveals.