At first glance, Saltviga House looks like a minimalist, shingled vacation home perched atop a rocky bluff on Norway’s southern coast—but the exterior cladding is so much more complex than it seems. Zoom in and you’ll see over 20,000 stainless steel screws and not a single traditional shingle. Each piece of wood on the outside is actually leftover German oak from Dinesen‘s flooring factory; on the inside, it’s all imperfect Douglas fir planks. Yes, the entire house was built with scraps.
This impressive architectural feat is the work of Stockholm-based studio Kolman Boye Architects. Founders Erik Kolman Janouch and Victor Boye Julebäk had previously collaborated with the sustainability-minded Danish flooring brand, so the duo had a feeling they would be on board. “They’re very keen on using all of the trees in their projects,” Erik says of Dinesen. “They want to use everything from the trunk so nothing is wasted. So for them, this was like a godsend. They loved the idea.”
Convincing the homeowners of the plan was easy, too, since they were given the opportunity to purchase Dinesen’s high-quality materials for a fraction of the price. And while they ended up spending more on labor to transform discarded wood into evenly sized pieces for the facade, they still came out on top with a one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly house that’s in harmony with its rugged surrounds.
Let’s take a tour.
Photography by Johan Dehlin.
![kolman boye architects didn\2\17;t want to disrupt the rough, wild lands 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-114542-am-733x584.png)
![the oak exterior will continue to silver and weather over time, helping it to f 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-114440-am-733x522.png)
![in order to avoid altering the terrain, the home adheres to the organic slope o 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/28-saltviga-johandehlin-copyright-733x586.jpg)
![the structure is split into two volumes. one is for socializing, with a kitchen 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-114556-am-733x916.png)
![a small section with its own pitched roof connects the two volumes. it features 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/14-saltviga-johandehlin-copyright-733x916.jpg)
![unlike typical shingles, the wood flooring leftovers are sawn, which exposes mu 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-51403-pm-733x1027.png)
![either way, covering the exterior in over \1\2,000 individual oak scraps from d 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-114501-am-733x1029.png)
![inside, kolman boye architects took a straightforward approach. \2\20;ev 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-114514-am-733x918.png)
![the douglas fir flooring appears on the interior walls and ceilings, as well as 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-114415-am-733x1024.png)
![ironically, there isn\2\17;t actually wood flooring on the floors. & 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/30-saltviga-johandehlin-copyright-733x916.jpg)
![the stair treads, risers, and railing are, however, made of douglas fir. &# 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/18-saltviga-johandehlin-copyright-733x1026.jpg)
![the windows intentionally capture the horizon. 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/21-saltviga-johandehlin-copyright-733x916.jpg)
N.B.: This post has been updated; the original story ran on August 13, 2023.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Saltviga House made with?
The Saltviga House is made with Dinesen flooring scraps.
What is Dinesen flooring?
Dinesen flooring is high-quality wooden flooring made from carefully selected trees.
Why is the Saltviga House made with Dinesen flooring scraps?
The Saltviga House utilized Dinesen flooring scraps to create a unique and sustainable design.
How was the Saltviga House constructed using Dinesen flooring scraps?
The Saltviga House used the Dinesen flooring scraps to build walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and other structural elements.
Is the Saltviga House eco-friendly?
Yes, the use of Dinesen flooring scraps in the construction of the Saltviga House showcases sustainable and environmentally conscious design.
What other materials were used in the construction of the Saltviga House?
In addition to Dinesen flooring scraps, other materials such as glass, concrete, and steel were used in the Saltviga House construction.
Who designed the Saltviga House?
The Saltviga House was designed by Norm Architects.
Where is the Saltviga House located?
The Saltviga House is located in Denmark.
Can I use Dinesen flooring scraps for my own project?
Yes, Dinesen flooring scraps can be used for various creative projects and design applications.
Where can I purchase Dinesen flooring?
Dinesen flooring can be purchased directly from their website or through authorized dealers.
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