Akkarvik roadside restroom

Location: Akkarvik, Lofoten, Norway

Year: 2009

Status: Built

Client: Norwegian Scenic Routes

Photo Credit: Paul Warchol

Award: Nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2011

The rest room replaces an old facility that had been lifted off its footing by strong winds. Thus the small building needed to be heavy so that it would not easily be moved off the ground. The restrooms were conceived to present a pause from the impressions of the surrounding nature, offering an experience of different sensuous qualities. Thus the building is made of 10-12 mm sheets of structural corteen steel welded together on site. The thin steel sheets are braced by steel flanges where it is needed. The bracing gives an almost ornamental quality to the pragmatic spaces. Two large glass openings provide view to the sky and a reflected horizon. Surfaces that the visitors will get in contact with are made of stainless steel or covered in clear glass to prevent rust staining.