Stoneware Roofing for Rorbuer on the Sykkylven Fjord

Italian design dialogues with Scandinavian nature in a hospitality complex overlooking a Norwegian fjord, utilizing high-performance porcelain stoneware roofing.

In a tourism landscape that prioritizes authenticity and sustainability, the hospitality sector is discovering new ways to tell the stories of territories and traditions. This is the case with rorbuer, the typical Norwegian fishermen's houses, now rediscovered as perfect retreats for travelers seeking immersive stays. Located along the coasts and fjords, rorbuer indeed represent a place to experience slower tourism, rooted in local cultures and deeply connected to the surrounding nature.

Into this context fits the project realized in Tandstadfjøra Sykkylven, on the shore of a picturesque fjord north of Bergen. Here, two landowners, Kjetil and Eldar Tandstad, decided to enhance an area of their land by developing a complex consisting of nine rorbuer and a boathouse, dedicated to contemporary hospitality. The first phase of the project involved the construction of five cabins: three characterized by an innovative "gull-wing" roof and two with the more traditional double-pitched roof.

The design and development of the intervention were entrusted to Rallar Arkitekter AS, chosen for their sensitivity in combining elements of contemporary design with traditional Norwegian construction and the natural landscape. Architect Carla Carvalho closely followed the project, curating every detail to harmoniously integrate the new structures with the surrounding environment, keeping the identity of the places alive.

A fundamental element for the project's success in Tandstadfjøra was the use of materials capable of withstanding the extreme climatic conditions typical of Norway: frost, snow, heavy rain, hail, and strong salinity from the fjords. For this reason, a high-performance product was chosen for the cabin roofs: ARDOGRES® Grigio Pietra 40x40 porcelain stoneware tiles.

This type of tile, widely appreciated in the Norwegian market, offers a perfect balance between natural aesthetics and technical resistance. Inspired by the intrinsic beauty of local stones, the surface features a modern yet discreet texture, ideal for integrating with both the landscape and the amaranth and garnet-colored facades of the structures. The Grigio Pietra 40x40 tile boasts absolute impermeability (water absorption less than 0.5%) and high resistance not only to frost and thermal shocks but also to abrasions, impacts, hailstorms, and chemical agents. Its lightness (25 kg/sqm of roofing) facilitates installation, guaranteed over time thanks to a stable fastening system with screws and slotted holes. It also offers low thermal conductivity, is entirely recyclable, and comes with a 50-year warranty, testifying to its durability. Finally, the HDT digital graphics and structured surface provide significant visual qualities, ideal for architecturally detailed projects.