The Forest Pavilion is a free-standing activity structure next to the CatoSenteret rehabilitation facility in Son, 50 kilometers south of Oslo. Conceived as a refuge for patients who are invited to use the space for workouts, casual meetings and celebrations, as well as a public environment for community members to enjoy, the Pavilion is a serene sanctuary whose architectural presence and atmosphere stand apart from the clinical aura of CatoSenteret.
Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter’s primary aspiration in their design was to seamlessly integrate function and form, enabling visitors to find peace and enjoyment within the Pavilion, and a retreat from the institutional nature of the Center. For this reason, it was conceived as an independent structure that turns away from the center behind it, and instead opens toward the natural splendor of its surroundings.
A symbol of warmth and tranquility, wood has been intricately woven into both the pavilion's framework and façade, and it infuses the interior with an organic, nurturing sensibility. An expansive glulam lattice in the ceiling blends artistic finesse with engineering ingenuity, while the abundance of wood amplifies acoustic qualities and naturally regulates the indoor climate. To create the possibility for privacy, the windows are dressed with green sunscreens, which permit light to filter delicately into the space and illuminate the structure from within. The color green can be found throughout the structure, a recurrent visual motif that connects the architecture to its surrounding vegetation.
In order to emphasize that connection, the outward-facing façade was designed as a 4-meter-high sheet of glass, which offers uninterrupted views of the natural landscape. It supports an extensive roof overhang, which appears to be floating delicately above visitors while providing them shelter. Steps follow the natural elevation of the landscape while providing casual seating space and a relaxed outdoor platform for trainings or events.
In its delicate interplay between structure and nature, the Forest Pavilion embodies an oasis of calm that merges harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
Typology
Activity Pavilion
Status
Direct commission (2021)
Completed (2022)
Location
Son, Norway
Illustrations by Kristian Aalerud & Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter.
