Maison Hiltiti captured by Rasmus Norlander stands quietly in its surroundings, a composition of three wooden volumes that exude an understated simplicity.
Yet, this weekend retreat, designed by Atelier Ordinaire, is far from simple. Beneath its modest exterior lies a profound narrative of design—a dialogue between architecture, craftsmanship, and the natural world.
The structure seems to breathe with its environment. Its facade, clad in warm spruce wood, mirrors the natural textures of the landscape, while the carefully orchestrated interiors reveal a profound sensitivity to space and material. Wide, horizontal windows frame vistas of the town and lake, transforming each view into a living tableau. These openings are not merely functional but emotional, inviting stillness and an appreciation of nature’s quiet rhythms.
Inside, the retreat unfolds as an immersive wooden sanctuary. Spruce wood—meticulously crafted through cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction—envelops every surface, from floors and ceilings to walls and even bathrooms, where only the shower trays interrupt its seamless flow. This unifying materiality creates a serene, almost meditative atmosphere, allowing the inhabitants to feel cocooned within the warmth of natural textures.
The spatial choreography of Maison Hiltiti is as poetic as it is functional. Atelier Ordinaire’s thoughtful design hides moments of intimacy within the home’s openness. A workspace nestles quietly beneath the staircase, while inviting window alcoves punctuate the upper floors, offering solitary spaces for reflection. These intimate corners coexist effortlessly with the grander gestures of the design, creating a layered experience that evolves as one moves through the house.
Attention to detail permeates every aspect of the home. Intricate wood joinery reveals the hand of the craftsman, while the furniture—from a minimalist wooden sofa base to handmade cushions—extends the architectural language into the realm of objects. Nothing feels arbitrary; everything contributes to a harmonious whole.
Atelier Ordinaire has created more than a retreat; they have crafted a spatial experience that balances humility with sophistication. Maison Hiltiti is an exploration of how architecture can distill the essence of a place while inviting those within to engage with it deeply and meaningfully.
The visual narrative of Maison Hiltiti owes much to the work of photographer Rasmus Norlander. His images reflect an attentiveness to light, material, and atmosphere, creating a bridge between the physical and the experiential. Together with Atelier Ordinaire’s meticulous design, his work reinforces a shared commitment to craft, space, and the human experience of architecture.
