Paulsen & Nilsen, a Norwegian design firm, has instilled a sense of tranquility in a four-story home overlooking Oslofjord in Oslo, Norway, the Oslo House. Positioned among treetops on a hill, the home features a panoramic glass facade and robust materials that blend with the natural topography, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. The design challenges the cool Norwegian climate by incorporating a consistently muted color palette, injecting warmth throughout the home.
Cofounder Mariann Paulsen emphasizes a “less is more” approach, selecting a limited range of materials like natural European oak, pigmented concrete, mineral-painted beige plaster, and patinated steel to create cohesion with the surrounding environment. The Boffi Code Kitchen by Piero Lissoni stands on its split-level floor, overlooking the living room and outdoor dining space. The DePadova Brompton shelving system acts as a subtle divider without disrupting the open floor plan.
Linear forms in timber, steel, and concrete define the central area of the home, creating a light-filled void that connects every level. This interplay of light is replicated in the study and master ensuite, complemented by an external timber screen. Deviating from traditional Norwegian architecture, Paulsen & Nilsen’s Oslo House makes a contemporary statement with a fluid connection to the outdoors, showcasing a modern and harmonious design approach.