Home tour: A holistic penthouse in Norway inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy

Interior architecture and designer Gudbjørg Simonsen finds balance that is reminiscent of zen Buddhist aesthetics

The brief was to design a home for a couple that are both doctors, who have resided in their penthouse apartment in the last three years. They had recently started a new chapter in their lives as empty nesters, and wanted an upgrade of the single-level dwelling in Stavanger, a city near the fjords on the west coast of Norway.

Spanning 2,500 sq ft, the square-shaped apartment occupies the entire top floor of a building with a façade that features natural materials of wood and Danish brick.

Accessible via an elevator or a central staircase, the open plan layout of the apartment has been designed with mobility and openness in mind, allowing for seamless movement throughout the space.

Above An Ikebana-inspired floral arrangement welcomes at the hallway

Above Floral elements introduced through wallpapers and carvings

An Ikebana-inspired floral arrangement welcomes at the hallway

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The residents have also taken particular delight in nurturing a lush green garden on the spacious three-sided terrace, fostering a serene outdoor retreat with a diverse panorama: the coastline and fjord landscape to the northeast, the Ryfylke Mountains to the east, and a lush park with large, beautiful trees to the southwest.

The couple commissioned Gudbjørg Simonsen, an independent interior architect and designer that emphasises holistic design with a touch of Scandinavian blended with elegance and passion, to remake the apartment that reflects a true sense of calm and peacefulness.

Above Independent interior designer Gudbjørg Simonsen draws inspiration from the Japanese wabi-sabi approach

Independent interior designer Gudbjørg Simonsen draws inspiration from the Japanese wabi-sabi approach

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Above Classical proportions but without becoming a classical interior

Above A cosy ambiance against the harsh Nordic climate

Classical proportions but without becoming a classical interior

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With that in mind, Simonsen drew inspiration from the Japanese wabi-sabi approach, a philosophical design trend that practises accepting and appreciating the impermanent, imperfect and incomplete nature of everything.

“I sought to cultivate an atmosphere that would foster a profound sense of connection between the residents and the architecture, and it was important to define and separate the zones within the interior,” elaborates Simonsen, whose proposal led to extensive structural improvements.

She continues: “The solution was anchored in classical proportions but without becoming a classical interior: room dividers and pivot doors were added to create clearer zones, but walls were removed to open up to the beautiful views.”

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Above The substantial pivot doors in the kitchen offer unobstructive light and view

The substantial pivot doors in the kitchen offer unobstructive light and view

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Above A vertical slat skylight amidst the rustic horizontal beams

Above Wooden ceilings with sturdy beams enhance the sense of zones

A vertical slat skylight amidst the rustic horizontal beams

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Blending traditional Scandinavian design principles and modern, sustainable techniques, Simonsen focused on creating a pleasing rhythm in the interior, in which the external terrace with its lush vegetation plays an important role.

“I added wooden ceilings to recreate the intimate feeling of pergolas–commonly used to create intimate outdoor spaces,” the interior designer explains. “These wooden ceilings with sturdy beams in selected areas enhance the sense of zones in the open floor plan, and connect spatial elements.”

Above Warmth and intimacy in the bathroom

Above Casting a soft glow over natural materials of wood and stone

Warmth and intimacy in the bathroom

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This is evident in the open kitchen, where the sturdy ceiling beams infuse the expansive space with an intimate ambiance that is perfect for both entertaining and quiet moments alike.

The subtle contrast in natural tones across the spaces also allow for the interplay of light and shadow, akin to the natural world.

The skylight in the kitchen, adorned with vertical slats, captures the mesmerising essence of sunlight amidst the rustic charm of the horizontal beams; while natural light pouring through the expansive glass-panelled windows brings the outside nature closer to the interior, as the substantial pivot doors offer a sense of a room without compromising on natural light or obstructing the view.

Above The cosy home office nook

Above An interplay of light and shadow

The cosy home office nook

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The simple, natural charm the wooden ceiling brings is also extended to the bathroom, where it harmonises with the functional solid wood flooring in the wet areas.

“The tactile and visual quality of natural materials possessed is significant, as they evolve over time with daylight, weather and the changing seasons,” Simonsen adds. “I have allowed these materials to create continuity and rhythm by recurring in various iterations throughout the apartment.”

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Above The Japanese-infused bedroom beckons

The Japanese-infused bedroom beckons

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Above Seamless movement throughout the space

Above A harmonious balance between Scandinavian and Japanese

Seamless movement throughout the space

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Alongside the use of natural materials such as wood and stone, warm and comfortable hues establish a calm and timeless foundation in the home, which according to Simonsen, “are especially crucial in Norway’s harsh, cold climate.”

Floral elements were also introduced through de Gournay wallpapers and carvings in the hallway and main suite, bringing in elegant hints of the plants on the terrace; as they create both functional and aesthetic details to provide a holistic experience.

“The homeowners’ quest to create something within the existing boundaries resonated deeply with me,” Simonsen concludes. “The opportunity to collaborate with clients who have a clear vision and a desire to transform limitations into opportunities was truly compelling and aligned with my own approach to design.”

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Credits

Photography: Silje Kverneland

Topics

Japandi Wabi-Sabi Penthouse

Celeste Goh

Digital Content Manager | Senior Writer of Tatler Homes, Tatler Malaysia

As senior writer at Tatler Homes, Celeste Goh covers architecture, interior design, luxury homes and emerging design trends. She also serves as digital content manager for Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the brand’s digital editorial strategy and social media presence across its platforms.