This fabulous building, designed by the firm Rever & Drage Architects, is located in an enclave of a Norwegian village in the south of Kvås, Oslo. With a style that makes reference to the architecture of the region, the building is built between a main road and a waterfall, and is surrounded by dense oak forests. From its privileged location overlooking the Lynga river, the views are spectacular.
In 2014, an artificial underground pool was created on the site to allow the public to see the wild salmon that populate the river. This proved to be a popular addition, as many people enjoyed seeing them, so the architects were instructed to design a building to accommodate the increasing amount of guests. Serving as an elevated vantage and information point, the Kvåsfossen visitor center also helps to block the vehicular noise emanating from the road, while creating a point of interest for traffic passing through the area.
Despite its contemporary design, the wood-clad building has been covered with a tarmac – a historical technique dating back centuries. Upon entering, the building looks much larger than it appears from the outside, creating an ambiguity between the interior and exterior. In the center, a large window allows visitors to pass the backdrop and admire the landscape from a comfortably seated position.
