
In the remote town of Båtsfjord, Norway, located nearly 500 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, a remarkable structure has taken shape. Skroget, a coastal sauna and community pavilion, emerges on the shoreline, conceptualized by Rare Collectiv as a wooden retreat. This design group, comprising fifteen international architecture students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), crafted the project under the Design in Context course. Commissioned by the local municipality, the initiative aims to create a public harbor hub accessible to all. Astonishingly, the design was completed in just two days and the build in ten, utilizing reclaimed materials to blend into the specific environmental conditions of the area.

Reclaimed Timber Shapes the Pavilion’s Nautical Skeleton
Stretching nearly 40 meters along the coast, the structure takes inspiration from a ship’s hull, forming an elongated skeletal frame. Organized around nineteen identical timber portal frames, the design ensures optimal climatic and programmatic orientation. It slopes toward the water, capturing mesmerizing sea views, while the southern exposure creates a wind-protected outdoor seating area to enhance solar warmth. This meticulous layout connects various amenities, including an open-air fire pit, communal seating, changing rooms, showers, and a central sauna.
The innovative design by the Rare Collectiv design group utilizes 3×7-inch reclaimed municipal timber for both structure and integrated furnishings. Uniform dimensions and angled joinery speak to the precision needed to withstand Båtsfjord’s harsh coastal climate.
This coastal construction harmonizes with its surroundings, showcasing elements of architecture that reflect the natural beauty of the area. This combination of form and function makes it a standout example of innovative architectural design.
Drawing parallels with Skroget’s timber-centric design, Hayhurst and Co Transforms Hampstead Townhouse celebrates similar timber detailing in urban architecture.














Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Skroget sauna pavilion located?
The Skroget sauna pavilion is located in the town of Båtsfjord, Norway, which is nearly 500 kilometers above the Arctic Circle.
Who conceptualized the timber sauna pavilion in Båtsfjord?
The timber sauna pavilion in Båtsfjord was conceptualized by Rare Collectiv, a group of fifteen international architecture students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
What materials were used for the sauna’s construction?
The sauna’s construction utilized reclaimed materials and specifically 3×7-inch reclaimed municipal timber for both the structure and integrated furnishings.
More in
Architecture
All Architecture



More like this

Beijing's LUO Studio Shapes Timber Flower Shop into a Forest-Symbiotic Pavilion

Inside Autbahnkirche: David Altrath’s Photos Illuminate Germany's Timber Chapel Marvel

Wittman Estes Transforms a Timber Retreat with Glass and Efficient Design on Blakely Island

Bright Orange Timber Structures Animate Nijmegen’s Historic Besiendershuis

Elevated Timber Retreat Harmonizes with Ecuador's Verdant Chocó Forest
