The island of Vega in the Norwegian archipelago is not far from the Arctic Circle and is said to be one of the oldest known places of inhabitance in Northern Norway, with early settlements on the main island dating back to 100 centuries. Agriculture and fishing remain as key fields of labor as they were historically.
Depicted by the UNESCO website to have “[reflected] the way fishermen/farmers have, over the past 1,500 years, maintained a sustainable living,” the Vega Archipelago is characterized by its magnificent, harsh northern landscape, gorgeous panoramic views of the Norwegian Sea and the jagged icy mountains rising from within it.
And yet, at the heart of this icy jungle lies a house. At first glance, it almost seems indistinct amidst the landscape, but the house sits beneath a granite shoulder, among rough terrain. The Vega Cottage by Kolman Boye stands alone, its surroundings wild and untouched.
Large windows surround the house in three directions, with each window distinct in character, but equally splendid in their telling of the lush wildness and tranquil seclusion. The uninterrupted view of the great ocean, mountains and bedrocks are a stunning juxtaposition against the minimalistic house, whose two levels adapt to its unpredictable terrain in a compact plan.
The limited floor area is anything but, with general social spaces. Despite its modern touch, the cottage exudes a subtle character and an aura of handcrafted tradition, and features linseed oil painted pine with untreated birch skirting, frames and reveals.
