Bjørnatoppen

General Information

Project name: Bjørnatoppen
Status: Under construction, 5 homes sold
Floor area: 1578 m² total, 7 detached houses and one semi-detached house
Location: Bjørnafjorden, Bergen, Norway
Landscape architecture: Tofan Arkitektur
Team: Calin Cohal, Isak Bergwall, Diana Tofan
Visualisations: VA-Arts
Client: Bjørnafjorden Utvikling AS
Construction: Sæterstøl Bygg AS and Bergen Total Entreprenør AS
Collaborators: Regn Plan, Optimera, Lyssand, Bøe Service AS, Maskinstyring AS, Innmålingstjenester AS

Challenge no. 1:

Standardisation of six detached houses that function optimally.

Solution:

Dedicated effort to develop one house model that meets the requirements of all six plots.
Focus on optimising terrace orientation towards the southwest and directing living areas for maximum views.
Utilising terrain level differences to ensure panoramic views from living rooms on the upper floor of each house.

Challenge no. 2:

Steep terrain descending from the road for the triangular house.
Placement of the garage – the gradient is too steep for a separate garage, and a two-storey structure would not reach down to the terrain.

Solution:

Implementing a strategically placed garage on the top floor to bypass the steepness of the terrain relative to the road.
Constructing the entire house with three storeys and on pillars to reach down to the terrain.

Short description

In the beautiful landscape by Bjørnafjorden, we have created a project that unites modern design with the tranquillity of nature. Seven detached houses and one semi-detached house are situated on a cliff overlooking the fjord. Large glazed areas open the homes towards the sea, and the façades in light timber and black Swisspearl panels blend naturally into the surroundings.

Internally, the homes are characterised by earth tones and carefully selected furniture, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere. The communal area between the homes contains a playground and social zones, strengthening the community. Each detached house is strategically oriented towards the southwest for optimal sun conditions and low energy consumption.

The project demonstrates how architecture can create a balanced experience of function, nature, and aesthetics – a modern and sustainable dream home in the heart of Bjørnafjorden.