Norwegian architect Snøhetta has designed three buildings for residents suffering from substance abuse issues and psychiatric diagnoses on the southwestern Norwegian island of Karmøy.
The project’s design is influenced by the results of research into the therapeutic value of materials, colours, shapes and technology.
The three houses are similar in layout and volume, but one is made from solid wood, with exposed wood interiors, and the other two are semi-detached house with one unit in brick and one in concrete. All three have diagonal saddle roofs.
The main materials are solid wood, concrete and brick. They were selected for their durability, washability and robustness.
The people who occupy the homes viewed them before construction using VR headsets, which allowed them to assess the materials and layout. The houses can also be adapted after they are built, to accommodate residents’ requirements and their belongings. At the end of their life, the buildings can be dismantled and reused.
An outside area with roof canopies and storage rooms can be used for carpentry.
Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, Snøhetta’s co-founder, said: “We all have a need and desire to have something of our own, a place we thrive, can cultivate our interests, and be proud of. This is no less important to people with substance abuse and psychiatric diagnoses.
“We hope that these homes can improve the living situation of the residents who will use them, but also that more municipalities and agencies want to take part in the research in the future.”
Elin Vatn, the project lead, said: “Everything that is usually taken into account when designing homes is also emphasised here – air and light, views of the green, natural and tradition-bearing materials, and flexible solutions that facilitate expression and creativity.
“The need for security, belonging and pride in one’s home. That you feel treated with respect and dignity. The special adaptations have been made in addition to this, not at the expense of them.”
Karmøy aims to eliminate homelessness in the region and the overall goal of the rehabilitation and psychiatric project is for it to be scaled up to other municipalities.
The research project began in 2020 and was run by the Research Council of Norway and the municipalities of Karmøy and Stavanger. It was carried out by the Norwegian Research Centre in collaboration with the University of Stavanger, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, the Norwegian State Housing Bank, A-larm and Snøhetta.
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