Architects: Svingen Arkitektkontor AS, Wu Xian
Year: 2023
Manufacturers: Miele, Axor Design, FLOS, IFO Elektrik, Purus
Lead Architects: Aleksander Svingen, Wu Xian
Builder: Bjerknes Bygg AS
Structural Engineer: B-Consult AS
Client: Torje Rørstad & Mari Rørstad
City: Valderøya, outside Ålesund
Country: Norway
House in Valderøya, a single-family residence designed by Svingen Arkitektkontor AS, and Wu Xian in Valderøya, outside Ålesund, Norway, has reconfigured an inherited 1973 home to prioritize environmental sustainability, spatial protection, and long-term material durability. Completed in 2023, the project replaces demolition with adaptive reuse, integrating a new extension and reorganized layout that opens views toward Alnes lighthouse and Godøy while reinforcing climate resilience through three protective concrete volumes. The intervention balances large glazing with a stable enclosure and uses long-lasting natural materials such as aspen paneling, pine windows, and solid oak flooring to establish continuity with the landscape and ensure multigenerational preservation.
House in Valderøya is a single-family residence located on Valderøya Island, just outside Ålesund, Norway. The project, designed by Svingen Arkitektkontor AS in collaboration with architect Wu Xian, was commissioned by Torje and Mari Rørstad to transform a 1973 inherited home into a contemporary and resilient dwelling. Based in Oslo, the architects advised against demolition, instead advocating for rehabilitation as a more sustainable and contextually sensitive approach.
Retaining the original structure aligns with climate goals and supports the preservation of local construction practices. The strategy included a new extension and a reconfigured interior layout to improve circulation and enhance the relationship between indoor spaces and the surrounding coastal landscape.
Given the site’s exposure to prevailing westerly winds, the architects introduced three cast-in-place concrete volumes that act as wind barriers. These structural elements create a sense of enclosure and protection, enabling the inclusion of expansive glazing while maintaining comfort and privacy. A large window facing Alnes lighthouse and the island of Godøy becomes a focal point, reinforcing the visual connection to the site’s natural features.
The interior material palette emphasizes durability and tactile quality. Aspen paneling, pine-framed windows, and solid oak flooring were selected to provide longevity and ease of maintenance. Combined with the structural concrete, these materials form a subdued, cohesive interior that reflects the clients’ sensibilities while supporting architectural restraint.
According to Wu Xian, the residence was “designed to withstand challenging wind conditions,” creating “a tranquil and comfortable retreat, deeply connected to its natural setting.”
The project team of House in Valderøya included Bjerknes Bygg AS as the builder and B-Consult AS as the structural engineer.
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Project Location
Address: Valderøya, outside Ålesund, Norway
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
