Hotel Trevarefabrikken

What if you come across an abandoned factory at the end of the world? Ideally, you breathe new life into it and transform it into one of Norway’s most creative places. In the summer of 2014, when two sets of brothers from Bergen had to spontaneously change their holiday plans due to a bad weather forecast, they stumbled upon an old Trevarefabrikken (literally translated as ‘wood workshop’) for sale on the shore of the small fishing village of Henningsvær. Enthused by the industrial flair and history of the factory, which was built in 1940 as a cod liver oil factory and later used as a carpentry workshop, as well as by the fabulous view of the sea and the surrounding mountains, the four pooled all their savings and bought the vacant building. Their noble goal was to create a meeting place for people from different backgrounds and cultural backgrounds.

First with the help of friends and family, and later with the support of London- and Switzerland-based designer Jonathan Tuckey, the factory was renovated and reinterpreted piece by piece. Starting with the restoration of the roof and façade – a concrete-filled wooden structure – and continuing with the integration of a café, a restaurant, a wine bar and various event rooms, the project culminated in the design of nine hotel rooms.

The challenge was to embrace the atmosphere, feel and sightlines of the concrete shell while incorporating a warm palette of local and recycled materials. Wood was the primary choice, paying homage to the original carpentry workshop. Each room – whose names tell the story and special features of the building – combines historical elements with modern design. Old objects and structures (original woodworking machines or a double bed in the lift shaft!), sanded ash floorboards and plenty of patina meet minimalist fixtures with wall panels, new bathrooms and simple furniture. In addition, large industrial windows with handmade folding shutters frame the view of the sea and create a play of light and darkness that characterises not only the region north of the Arctic Circle, but also the entire design concept. At times, the narrow strips of light from the shutters resemble the spectacle of a solar eclipse; at others, you walk through dark corridors reminiscent of the Norwegian sea at night or feel as if you have landed in the middle of the mountains rather than in the bathroom.

What began as a youthful vision is now an aesthetically refined place with a forward-looking, holistic concept – a place to arrive, linger and discover, as well as to exchange ideas, work and network. Whether on solitary mountain hikes or joint yoga sessions, in the wooden sauna above the sea or the bar on the first floor, at Norwegian concerts or enjoying a Neapolitan pizza with sunset on the terrace.

Photos: Andrea Gjestvang, Elin Fröderberg, Fanny Holmström, Max Emanuelson

What to do

Mountain hikes, ski tours, swimming in Vestfjord, surfing, climbing, fishing, kayaking, yoga, meditation, various workshops and seasonal retreats, sauna, magnificent sunsets, changing events such as concerts, readings, quiz nights, discos and festivals, contemporary art at the KaviarFactory, culinary highlights, crafts and boutiques in the village, excursions to other islands and, of course, the Northern Lights (late September to early April) or the midnight sun (late May to mid-July).

Why we like this house

Definitely worth the long journey: a combination of architecture, nature, culture and hospitality – full of traditions and visionary inspiration.

This house is great for

Solo travellers, couples, friends, families or groups (max. 30 guests) looking for secluded nature and/or communal exchange including a cultural programme, whether to switch off, for a workation, for workshops or retreats.

Sustainability

Reuse of building materials and revitalisation of an abandoned site with an impact on the entire village and region, public transport: from Oslo or Trondheim by train to Bodø and from there by boat or bus to Henningsvær

Details

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