Bringing together dynamic building and material experimentation with traditional methods of craft, Bergen-based Saunders Architecture has worked on cultural and residential projects right across Norway, as well as England, Denmark, Italy, Sweden and Canada.

Led by a strong contemporary design sensibility, the studio believes that architecture must play an important role in creating place, using form, materials and texture to help evoke and shape memory and human interaction. The office operates within existing natural as well as manmade contexts, with examples ranging from an award nominated dramatic viewpoint structure set amidst a rich protected landscape to several new-build houses within more traditional suburban settings.

Villa L

Villa L is located on a north-facing site overlooking the mountains in Hjellestad just south of Bergen, Norway. The main rooms were allocated in relation to the views and natural light conditions. A functional plan is devised while taking the unexpected shape of a zigzagged formation, while a zinc-metal roof mirrors the floor plan by following the meandering shape. Local wood and stone were also material choices for this project.

Status: In progress.

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Villa Kvaal

Located on the hills of Bergen, Norway. This villa will comprise two apartments that can also be unified to become one housing unit in the future. The form has an element parallel to the vertical mountain edge, that bends horizontally to stretch away from the highland where the apartments appear to be floating, thus receiving the nickname “The cliffhanger.” Large terrace areas will offer great panoramic views of the city of Bergen. The white colour and materiality of the villa will create a contrasting aesthetic towards the dark stone of the mountain.
Status: Planned completion 2015

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Cabin S

Located in Geilo, Norway, this cabin is integrated on a grassy mountain hill. The house has a U-shaped plan. Windows with great views are directed towards the front. The classical cabin has been given a modern touch while still maintaining a warm interior of dark wooden features.
Status: Planned completion 2015

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Villa SM

Situated in Førde, Norway. The plot already contained a group of scattered houses that Villa SM needed to relate to both practically and aesthetically. Due to its position on the plot, the villa creates a courtyard between itself and the existing building. Its form relates to the surrounding architecture by appearing as a series of small houses rather than one object. A combination of wood and concrete merges a traditional with a modern materiality. Glass facades allow the residents to enjoy the view of the stream, while a large terrace can be used to enjoy the sun.
Status: Planned completion 2015

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