Casper and Lexie Mork-Ulnes (of Mork-Ulnes Architects) recently completed the Skigard Hytte project - a mountain cabin for them and their children in Kvitfjell, a ski resort in Norway that was developed for the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. Perched on a steep mountain and framing the panoramic views of the valley and the river, the cabin connects to the ground slightly, protecting both the natural terrain and the sheep that occasionally take refuge there. Its architecture makes reference to local and traditional elements, reinterpreting them in a rational and creative project.
This is the first project that Casper and Lexie Mork-Ulnes have built for their own family. They met 20 years ago, on a ski trip, and always shared their love for the mountain. Living in San Francisco until then, they moved to Oslo in 2011, where they converted a former billiards room in a castle into their residence. With two kids, Lucia (13) and Finn (11), and Lupo, the dog, they decided to build a cabin in the mountains where they can fully embrace Norway's outdoor lifestyle.

After securing a 2,000 square meter site in Kvitfjell ski resort, with stunning views of the valley, Casper and Lexie began to shape the retreat they had always wanted: the main dwelling with a guest annex, and giving every room a view out. Familiarizing themselves with the unique qualities of the site, the architects decided to give the house an unusual but simple configuration, and they also created a raised observation platform that places them above nature.