FLO is a floating lodge that offers unique overnight experiences. It is located in the Halden Canal, only an hour from Oslo.
The lodge aims to give visitors the opportunity to experience the contrast and tension between the open, mystical and unknown exterior, to the snug, warm and safe interior.
The volume consists of a simple rectangular base, with a diagonally reverse-pitched roof. The roof shape creates spatial quality by defining two zones – one social area around the fire place, including the living room and kitchen – and one private zone for a sleeping alcove and a compact bathroom.
The project plays on a fundamental dualistic experience – the contrast and tension between the open, mystical and unknown exterior, to the snug, warm and familiar interior.
Inside, built-in furniture, walls and ceiling are made of untreated spruce cladding, which are equally an affordable and unpretentious homage to history while providing warmth and snugness.
The fireplace, made by a local craftsman, is the centrepiece of the living area and a focal point around which people can sit and look at the view while grilling the freshly caught fish.
As the ceiling rises up towards the exterior, the generous openings provide a close connection with the surroundings, offering a true nature experience in this wonderful Norwegian landscape.
Materials are selected to reference the canal system’s log driving history. The rough, split wooden dimensions gives clear visual associations to the logs that were once transported through the canals and contrast to the project’s precise form and detailing.
Spruce is used consistently throughout the structure – from the exterior cladding and wood fibre insulation to the interior finishes – creating a cohesive and tactile experience. Inside, the spruce pays tribute to the region’s traditional cladding techniques while offering a sense of warmth, comfort, and understated elegance.
Similarly to the way in which timber has been transported historically, the cabin is dimensioned to be sluiced through the locks that mediate the height difference between the lakes.
Drift between worlds — from the wild, unknown beauty of the Norwegian landscape to the warm, crafted intimacy of a floating lodge designed for true connection with nature.
As the ceiling rises up towards the exterior, the generous openings provide a close connection with the surroundings, offering a true nature experience in this wonderful Norwegian landscape.
Materials are selected to reference the canal system’s log driving history. The rough, split wooden dimensions gives clear visual associations to the logs that were once transported through the canals and contrast to the project’s precise form and detailing.
Spruce is used consistently throughout the structure – from the exterior cladding and wood fibre insulation to the interior finishes – creating a cohesive and tactile experience. Inside, the spruce pays tribute to the region’s traditional cladding techniques while offering a sense of warmth, comfort, and understated elegance.
Similarly to the way in which timber has been transported historically, the cabin is dimensioned to be sluiced through the locks that mediate the height difference between the lakes.
ARCHITECTS – STRÅ ARKITEKTER & STUDIO OSMA
PHOTOGRAPHY – JULIE HRNČÍŘOVÁ & JAN KHÜR / THURSTON EMPSON TYPOLOGY – FLOATING LODGE, SIZE – 30 m2
LOCATION – THE HALDEN CANAL, HALDENKANALEN REGIONAL PARK
