Hearth House by Kastler Skjeseth Architects: A Thoughtful Renovation of Historic Storehouse in Helgeroa, Norway

Nestled in the scenic coastal village of Helgeroa, Norway, the Hearth House by Kastler Skjeseth Architects is a striking example of heritage preservation meeting contemporary residential design. Completed in 2023, this 100 m² residence transforms a historic storehouse from 1749 into a modern, functional home, blending industrial materiality with traditional Norwegian architecture.

Preserving Heritage While Embracing Modern Living

The project centers on a sensitive renovation and adaptive reuse of a centuries-old storehouse. The architects aimed to maintain the original appearance of the three most prominent facades: south, east, and west, while implementing a more radical intervention on the north wall. This new north-facing wall introduces indirect sunlight, a framed rock face, and modern sanitary functions, seamlessly merging heritage with contemporary comfort.

The renovation involved converting a dark, uninsulated space into a welcoming residence, carefully adhering to strict local heritage regulations. The intervention balances historic preservation with innovative design solutions, respecting the building’s storied past while providing a comfortable modern lifestyle.

Industrial Materiality and Functional Interiors

Guided by the building’s historical use for utility and industry, the interior design adopts a palette of stainless steel, concrete, and timber, providing a robust, industrial aesthetic. The open-plan layout emphasizes flexibility and functionality. Free-standing elements recall previous service installations: what were once machines for pressing, brewing, cleaning, and baking are now replaced by a steel kitchen island, concrete fireplace, robust furniture, and a bathroom attached externally.

This combination of industrial and utilitarian finishes preserves the informal character inherent in the original typology while creating spaces suitable for contemporary living. Each design choice respects the building’s history and structural narrative, reinforcing a dialogue between past and present.

The Reimagined Hearth: Centerpiece of the Home

At the core of the house lies the reconfigured hearth, crafted from bricks salvaged from the original obsolete baker oven. This oversized, sculptural element serves multiple functions in one continuous form: it provides heat, access to the attic via stairs, and houses a compact bathroom, reflecting the “rule of three” principle in design.

The hearth’s combination of concrete, masonry, and steel creates a visually striking centerpiece while maintaining the integrity of the original floorboards. Acting as both a functional and sculptural feature, it anchors the home and connects the various levels seamlessly.

Thoughtful Additions and Sustainable Design

The design introduces thoughtful additions without compromising the historic integrity. New bedrooms, a bathroom, and a modern kitchen are integrated with sensitivity to the original timber-framed walls with slag stone infill. The project demonstrates how adaptive reuse of heritage buildings can meet contemporary living standards while minimizing environmental impact and preserving local culture.

The Hearth House stands as a model of sustainable residential architecture, combining robust materials, flexible spatial arrangements, and respect for historical context. It exemplifies the transformative potential of heritage buildings, showing that functionality and preservation can coexist beautifully.

Project Highlights

• Location: Helgeroa, Norway
• Architects: Kastler Skjeseth Architects
• Lead Architect: Erlend Skjeseth
• Area: 100 m²
• Year: 2023
• Photography: Max Creasy, Erlend Skjeseth
• Key Features: Adaptive reuse, industrial material palette, reconfigured multifunctional hearth, open-plan layout, heritage facade preservation

All photographs are works of  Max Creasy, Erlend Skjeseth