![Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_1.jpg)
Northface by Element
The top floor of this periscope-like wooden house in Stavanger, Norway, cantilevers northwards towards the sea.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_2.jpg)
Top: photograph is by the architects
Oslo architects Element renovated the 40-year-old house in 2010, choosing to reconfigure the existing two lower storeys and to completely replace the original upper floor.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_3.jpg)
A long window stretches across the entire width of the cantilever to provide a view across the water from the new open-plan living and dining room.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_4.jpg)
Residents enter the house at this level, while the floors below step down in tandem with the steeply declining hillside.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_9.jpg)
Above: photograph is by the architects
Photography is by Dinesen, apart from where otherwise stated.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_5.jpg)
Here's some more information from Element:
The existing house was built in 1969 as a "twin" to the neighbouring building. It did not function well to the demands of 2008-living, neither in the room sizes nor in their solutions, and it had generally a need for restoration work.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_6.jpg)
Element, together with the client, has come to a solution where mainly the bottom two stories are rehabilitated while the top story is replaced with a lighter and more open construction which opens up towards a grand view of "Byfjorden."
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_7.jpg)
This is a big change from the earlier situation where it was necessary to go down a level to see the view.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_8.jpg)
The volume on top is also pulled further away from the road to make room for a larger sun deck towards the south and to let more light into the building. This deck is also thereby sheltered from the northern wind.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_10.jpg)
The architectural expression strengthens the qualities on the site and reflects its northern orientation. At the same time it respects the existing constructive principles.
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_11.gif)
Click above for larger image
Sustainability: massive wood construction; reuse of the old foundation and walls.
Program: single family house
Location: Lauvastølveien 20, Stavanger, Norway
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_12.gif)
Click above for larger image
Client: Ingvild Sæther
Collaborators: Florian Kosche AS, Moelven Massivtre AS
![Northface by Element Northface by Element](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/04/dezeen_Northface-by-Element_13.gif)
Click above for larger image
Size: 277 m2
Status: completion 2010