GLØDE: Illuminating Sustainable Design in the Arctic Landscape
Conception and Purpose: A Haven for Gatherings Amidst Nature's Grandeur
GLØDE, a modest fireplace sanctuary, is nestled in the scenic Beiarn valley of Nordland, Norway, at the base of the majestic Svartisen glacier. It was designed to offer a place for quiet reflection and social interaction around a warm fire. This visionary project was brought to life by MA/CO – Matières Communes, an architectural collective formed in March 2025 by students from ENSAP Bordeaux. The structure emerged from a hands-on, full-scale design-build process, marking the collective's debut and setting a precedent for their methodology, which emphasizes direct construction, material exploration, and collaborative creation.
Architectural Footprint and Construction: Embracing Efficiency and Local Character
Spanning 24 square meters (6 × 4 meters), the shelter was erected in a mere ten days during a three-week expedition across Europe. Conceived as a protective haven, GLØDE shields visitors from harsh weather conditions while fostering casual gatherings and peaceful pauses within the natural environment. The site is situated in Beiarn, a valley home to approximately 1,100 residents. The nearby Beiarn Lodge serves as a well-known landmark for adventurers, integrating the shelter into an existing network of hiking and skiing trails and seasonal activities.
Resourcefulness at Its Core: A Testament to Reclaimed Materials
Remarkably, approximately 90% of the materials used in the shelter's construction were repurposed. These resources were primarily salvaged from the lodge's barn and other on-site reserves that had lain dormant for almost two decades. Additional components were gathered from the immediate surroundings. The construction process was characterized by a flexible approach, adapting to available materials and evolving design decisions rather than adhering strictly to a predefined plan. This adaptive strategy ensured on-site autonomy and significantly minimized the need for new materials.
Integrating with the Environment: A Functional Element of the Landscape
GLØDE's strategic placement plays a crucial role in revitalizing a previously underutilized area, a development coordinated with four local farmers dedicated to preserving the surrounding landscape. The shelter's form harmonizes with its immediate surroundings, positioned along the forest's edge and anchored to the valley floor. Its distinctive roof and hearth create a compact, enclosed space that thoughtfully balances openness with essential protection. Rather than existing as an isolated structure, this fireplace shelter functions as an integral part of the broader natural infrastructure, providing a welcoming break along outdoor routes leading to the glacier. The MA/CO – Matières Communes collective's project exemplifies an architectural philosophy rooted in practical construction, the judicious reuse of existing resources, and responsive, site-specific adaptation through cooperative endeavors.