Inside an Architect’s Norwegian Home
Bergen-based architect Todd Saunders is no stranger to Coggles. His Fogo Island artists' studios first graced our pages in June 2016; his geometric structures unique, contemporary and bold – yet surprisingly simple in their execution.
The Canada-born architect is now based in Bergen, Norway, with his studio – Saunders Architecture – designing cultural and residential projects across Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, as well as his native country. His approach to buildings is modern, with interesting architecture that complements its surroundings and takes both form and function into careful consideration.
It’s Todd Saunders’ own home that takes the spotlight now, though. Taking inspiration from local architect Leif Grung who built timber houses in the area between 1935 and 1945, Saunders built an elevated home out of blackened timber for himself and his family. It’s a piece of contemporary Scandinavian architecture, and this is reflected in the interior.
Upon entry, the wide hall is empty but for seating, a small side table and white floating staircase that leads up to the main living space. Made up of white walls, white timber and pale wood, the house is clean and fresh, with an open-plan living and dining area that flows seamlessly through the home and leads to two children’s bedrooms at one end, and the master and adjoining balcony at the other.
The colour palette stays fairly neutral throughout – typical of Scandinavian style – with white and soft greys providing the main base. Dark wooden tables, a dresser and piano add a natural texture and warmth, with accents of green found throughout the house in the living room’s sofa, on the backs of the kitchen chairs and the use of greenery in the bathroom.
The house is lined with large windows that create a lot of natural light but where extra lighting is needed, it takes a different form in each space; from spotlights in the master bedroom, to a cluster of pendant lights in the kitchen and large floor lamps in the living area.
