Inspired by a painting by the Norwegian artist Harald Sohlberg, architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk created an impressive observation deck.
The dark silhouette of pine trees in the foreground is a significant quality of the painting, framing the almost luminescent winter landscape. Also today the site has a certain dynamic quality, between the densely growing pine trees on the hill side and the distant mountains. This relation became the starting point for the geometry and the structure of the platform.
Several tests were executed by placing a ladder up against the tree trunks, trying to find the best views and interesting spaces between the trees. After the trees and topography were digitally registered, the form of the platform could be defined precisely in such a way that no trees had to be cut. It was also crucial to find a foundation system that would not destroy any roots. The ground in the area was frost-free at 2.7 meters - any traditional foundation would imply substantial excavation, and cut down of most of the trees.
