Flesefossen Rest Area
Flesefossen, Brattlandsdalen, Norway
2023
The road connection through Brattlandsdalen was built in 1879-84 and is considered a highlight in Norwegian infrastructure. The road was carved out of the mountainside with mighty rock masses hanging over it like a roof.
National Highway 13, leads through Brattlandsdalen from county road 47 in Sand to E134 in Røldal. This is the Norwegian Scenic Routes eastern run through Ryfylke.
The old rest area, with a spectacular view of Flesefossen, bore the mark of age, and was to be replaced by a new rest area. As a supplement to the Norwegian Scenic Routes attractions, the new rest area was to contain a service building with toilets, signage, and a place to stay and view.
With inspiration from Bratlandsdalåa, Flesefossen, water, and potholes, among others, we have designed a rest area with curved lines that take in the terrain's formations. The space is underlined by a powerful layered structure with contrasts in the use of materials and colors.
The steel structure, consisting of columns and a roof, forms pockets with room for toilets and benches. The steel structure stands on a concrete plateau that defines the rest area and separates the highway and the waterfall. The design of the plateau forms a viewing balcony and a sitting amphitheater which makes it possible to walk down to the river.
The structure contains vertical wooden posts with black-stained Accoya that form denser sections with integrated functions.
Concept
Plan
Detail
Typology: Service, Landscape
Location: Flesefossen, Brattlandsdalen, Norway
Year: 2020-2023
Status: Completed
Size: 1000 m2
Client: Statens Veivesen, Norwegian Scenic Route
Collaborators: Degree of Freedom, Sweco
Team: Vit Gerhard, Marco Boella, Marit Justine Haugen, Dan Zohar
Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Hanna Maria van Zijp