An island resort founded and owned by the famous polar explorer Børge Ousland
Manshausen Island is situated in the Steigen Archipelago off the coast of Northern Norway and is home to the world’s largest population of Sea Eagles. The Island’s position between majestic mountains and the Barents Sea is in itself the inspiration for the design.
The island was historically a trading post for the fishing industry, but today, it is only visible in the massive stone quays. Additionally, there is an existing 18th-century small farmhouse on the island, which was carefully restored and converted into a restaurant with an upstairs library. A sauna was made in the natural pond using leftover materials.
The positioning of each cabin on the island provides privacy and undisturbed sea views, but each position is also selected to ensure minimum impact on the existing vegetation.
All details, including interiors and glazing are custom designed.
Wave heights, extreme weather conditions and future rise in sea level were studied to determine the exact positions of the cabins. The exposure to the natural elements is extreme and acts as a homage to the client, who is a famous polar explorer.
