Mountain Restaurant Björk

Project Description

The building sits along the top line of the slow-growing birch trees, next to the ski lift. This location emphasises the relationship of the building to nature, in summer and winter. The site affords a panoramic view of the mountains and the valley to the south.

We wanted to create a landmark and a building that reveals how it is constructed from a distance, with a distinctive and unique appearance that feels natural on the site and at the same time was easily built with prefabricated parts.

The building was designed to be lifted into place by helicopter, but a temporary road was built during the summer to transport the structure to the site, for practicality reasons and due to the need for services to supply the building.

The interior of the building is dominated by durable materials such as pine wood and carpet, to prevent slipping with ski boots. The furniture also consists of simple built-in-place pine wood benches and tables.

The structural system of glulam beams forms a triangular shape. This form is silhouetted in the façade, which is finished with panels of untreated wood allowed to weather naturally. The glulam beam structure protrudes from the roof form, highlighting the generous dimensions of the building by allowing these beams to be visible in both the exterior and interior envelope.
Weather and wind will contribute to its character. When the snow falls, it settles in drifts on the roof and influences the shape of the building. We have toned down the colour and material expression in favour of the strong form of the landscape.The design and materials are influenced by local Sami culture. From a distance, the restaurant is visible with an inviting entrance and outdoor area to the south, a building that is vibrant on a sunny day, as well as on a winter’s day around the fireplaces inside.

The restaurant is called ‘Björk’ (birch) and seats 80 guests on two floors, serving an international menu using local produce. It has a partnership with a small local Lappish brewery.