Traditional Forms Reinterpreted
With its clear lines Villa Void is inspired by the forms of existing houses in the neighborhood. The combination of materials—dark-gray Swisspearl Largo panels on the outer skin, and a warm wooden interior, also used on the recessed exterior areas -underline the sculptural character of the house.
This project is featured in the Swisspearl Architecture #29. Subscribe to our magazine to get the printed issue.

Villa Void is situated in Saltnes, a village south of Norways’ capital Oslo, on a lush, west-facing site with views towards the outskirts of Oslofjorden. Tall pine trees and a gentle slope towards the northwest characterize the site. From the onset, the architects Resell + Nicca decided that the 29 pine trees would be preserved, that the design of the house would correspond to the various levels on the plot, and the trees would be visible from the key areas within the house.
With its staggered sequence
of rooms, the house blends
into the sloping terrain. The
choice of materials and
precise detailing create clear,
sharp-edged lines. The dark
gray Swisspearl panels form a
hard, protective skin around
the soft wooden core.

The clarity of the concept is emphasized by the materiality of the building, with the basic form given a homogenous and precise surface clad in large-format Swisspearl panels, thus enhancing its sculptural qualities. Recessed parts—where people are in proximity to the façade—are clad in a warmer, textured material; namely oak.

By gluing the Swisspearl panels to underlying metal laths, the facades are given a clean and distinct appearance. The versatility of the Swisspearl panels is illustrated by the various applications: on the exterior of the house, as cladding on the roof, cladding on the garage door, window linings, railings, and the doors on cabinets.

Inside, the house is characterized by a longitudinal space where the living room, kitchen, and dining room are situated. Though these functions are interlinked and visually connected, they are situated on three different levels, each corresponding directly to the garden terrain. Semi-high walls with integrated cabinets, kitchen accessories, and storage space subdivide the levels, while large, glazed sliding doors on each level blur the distinction between inside and outside.
NICE TO KNOW
Object
Villa Void
Location
Saltnes, Norway
Architects
Resell + Nicca, Oslo, Norway
Building period
2017 – 2019
PDF project sheet
Facade material
Swisspearl Largo Carat Black Opal 7020 (R)

Read more – Swisspearl Architecture magazine
Find more stories in our Swisspearl Architecture #29. Subscribe to our magazine to get the printed issue.
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