The Bolder

Forsand, Norway - map
www.vipp.com

The Bolder in Forsand, Norway, is a truly unique accommodation experience that offers guests the opportunity to sleep among the clouds in fully equipped, off-grid cabins. Located high above Norway's Lysefjord, The Bolder consists of six cabins, including two Sky Lodges and four Star Lodges, each with their own distinct character and charm.

The Sky Lodges, measuring 22 square meters, provide ample living space for guests, including a kitchen and dining area, two double bedrooms, and a bathroom. The interior design of these cabins is minimalistic and carefully curated to harmonize with the stunning views of the fjord. Dark oak ceilings and walls, concrete flooring, and a dark-toned décor dominate the space, while Vipp furniture and kitchen equipment in natural and durable materials add a touch of elegance and functionality.

The Bolder's story began in 2010 when its owner, Tom Norland, purchased 170 hectares of untouched land with a breathtaking view of the fjord. His initial plan was to build a series of smaller hermit huts, but he realized that the site deserved something more daring and innovative. With this in mind, he commissioned architect John Birger Grytdal from Norgeshus to design a two-floor cube with floor-to-ceiling glazing wrapped in Canadian cedar wood, balanced on a single steel pillar drilled 3.5 meters into the ground. The result was the Sky Lodges, the first two of The Bolder's six cabins.

A decade later, Tom Norland embarked on the second chapter of The Bolder project, commissioning Norwegian architecture practice Snøhetta to design four new one-room cabins, the Star Lodges. These cabins, named Stylten, Myra, Stjerna, and Eldhuset, are gently placed on the edge of Lysefjorden and built to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. To reflect the nature of the building site, dominated by granite and slow-growing pine trees, Snøhetta chose to work with wood and concrete, using aggregate from the actual site as the main materials for the project. The trees that had to be taken down during the construction were set aside for future use, and the granite that was cut out of the ground was used to make the concrete for the construction.

Overall, The Bolder in Forsand, Norway, offers a truly remarkable experience for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its off-grid cabins, designed with a keen eye for detail and sustainability, allow guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while enjoying all the comforts of home.