Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Diephotodesigner.de, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta – Photo by Diephotodesigner.de.

Architecture – International architecture studio Snøhetta has created Tverrfjellhytta, a Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion on the outskirts of the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, home to Europe’s last wild reindeer herds and Arctic foxes. With a weathered wooden exterior and an organic wooden interior, nature is brought into the space while providing shelter for visitors enjoying the spectacular view.

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Ketil Jacobsen, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Photo by Ketil Jacobsen.

The Dovrefjell mountains hold a unique place in Norwegian heritage as they are home to tales, myths, and legends passed down from generation to generation. “A long history of travellers, hunting, mining, and military activities has left its marks on the landscape, and there was a need to protect and preserve,” Snøhetta told Archipanic. “The project was therefore developed with a focus on minimising the interventions in nature while maximising the experience for visitors.”

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A solid rectangular frame of raw steel makes the shelter. “The wide glass façade invites nature into the pavilion, giving visitors a feeling of being in one with nature.” The wooden core is shaped like rock or ice eroded by natural forces such as wind or running water.

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Ketil Jacobsen, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Photo by Ketil Jacobsen.

The undulating shapes of the interior stretch out to the back of the building, doubling as an exterior wall and seating. The centred fireplace lets visitors enjoy the breathtaking nature and occasional bypassing reindeer from a warm shelter.

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Ketil Jacobsen, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Photo by Ketil Jacobsen.

“We designed the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion to endure and withstand harsh climates. Considerable emphasis has been put on the quality and durability of materials while ensuring that the building blends well into the landscape as the exterior weathers.”

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Andreas Klokkehaug, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Photo by Andreas Klokkehaug.

The results were achieved by combining cutting-edge technologies and traditional craftsmanship. The wooden core was manufactured using a large-scale CNC mill, shaped and based on digital 3D models before it was mounted using traditional log building techniques.

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Ketil Jacobsen, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Photo by Ketil Jacobsen.

Visitors reach the pavilion point after a 1.5-kilometre hiking trail. The building is open to the public during the summer months, serving both as an observation pavilion for the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Foundation and as a hub for the foundation’s educational programs.

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Ketil Jacobsen, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Photo by Ketil Jacobsen.

All photos of Tverrfjellhytta – Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion: courtesy of Snøhetta.

Tverrfjellhytta, the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion by Snøhetta - Photo by Roger Brendhagen, courtesy of Snøhetta.

Photo by Roger Brendhagen.