The Exhibition Barn at Astrup Farm
Jølstravatnet, Sunnfjord, Norway, Competition
Nikolai Astrup is an iconic figure in Norwegian art history, known for his unique style and deep connection to nature. He grew up by Lake Jølstravatnet, where he learned to see, smell, listen, and express himself through the surrounding landscape. This strong bond with his home region shaped his creative work throughout his life. Astrup’s paintings, filled with childhood memories, folk traditions, and dramatic landscapes, invite us into his enchanting world, where Lake Jølstravatnet and the homestead merge into a unified whole that captures our attention.
Relationship to Surroundings and Site Adaptation
The Exhibition Barn is an addition to Astruptunet that builds a bridge between history and the present. This building is not only meant to convey the story of Nikolai Astrup's world but also to give insight into who he was. Inspired by the Norwegian landscape and traditional building typologies, the barn serves as a framework for learning—for both young and old. It integrates naturally with Astruptunet and Lake Jølstravatnet, relieving the main site by taking on new functions such as gathering spaces and exhibition areas. In line with a holistic approach, the barn preserves the cultural heritage of Astruptunet and respects the natural beauty of the landscape.
The Exhibition Barn creates a new, experimental landscape with paths and platforms for visitors. Here, one can experience Lake Jølstravatnet, the pier, and the new connection to Astruptunet.
The barn is built from a wooden framework and a structural stone core that connects the new and old parts of the site, continuing traditional building practices. Between the load-bearing wooden structures are elements of wood or glass. Astrup was inspired by Japanese woodcuts, and the Exhibition Barn carries Astrup's stories carved into the wooden facade panels between the structural elements.
To make the barn accessible to all without major interventions in the landscape, it is positioned with its gable facing Lake Jølstravatnet and placed between the site's natural elevations, enabling easy movement across the significant height differences from the County Road to Nikolai Astrup’s Road. The building respectfully adapts to its surroundings and defers to the landscape.
Structure of the Barn
Built from natural materials, the barn combines traditional craftsmanship with modern building practices, using the same materials as those found at Astruptunet. The barn consists of three levels:
Gathering Space & Café
Arriving from Nikolai Astrup’s Road, visitors are greeted by the gable and invited into the barn, where the wooden structure draws majestic lines toward the mountain landscape. Here you’ll find a gathering space where you can enjoy coffee with locals or attend a lecture about Nikolai Astrup, the surrounding landscape, and Astruptunet. The entrance, ticketing, food service, and café are all integrated with staff functions to ensure efficient flow.
Exhibition Room
From the gathering space and café, you descend a staircase suspended along the stone core, designed like a bay window overlooking the water and garden. From the stairway, you pass through the massive, enclosed stone core into the large, open exhibition space. The wooden construction is exposed here, with a controlled indoor climate, indirect lighting, and views of Lake Jølstravatnet to the north. The exhibition introduces Astrup’s life and work. A cantilever on the western facade offers visitors a place to sit and enjoy the landscape.
Wardrobe & Workshop
On the ground floor is the entrance from the County Road and the workshop where visitors can observe ongoing work. This level also includes cloakrooms, a vestibule, and stairs. The core contains restrooms on every floor, an elevator, and storage for various functions.
Sustainability & Environmental Concept
The Exhibition Barn harmonizes with its surroundings by using local building traditions and natural materials like stone and wood. Thanks to its rational construction and interior design, the barn can be adapted to future needs. Astrup’s interest in light is reflected in the use of natural lighting, with indirect light and skylights offering views of the landscape. The building is designed to endure the local climate, with roof overhangs that protect against weather and snow. Natural ventilation contributes to a pleasant indoor climate, further enhanced by the properties of the natural materials used. Energy efficiency is achieved through geothermal heating, solar panels, and a rainwater harvesting system. This sustainable concept ensures that the building can meet future demands without compromising its integrity.
The use of wood in the building has a positive impact on us. This natural material creates an indoor environment that promotes comfort and well-being, offering a sense of calm and connection to nature. The experience of natural harmony inside the building reflects Astrup’s own love of nature.
Outdoor Space and Landscape
The landscape is treated gently, with minimal interventions. Lush plantings continue Astrup’s garden traditions, including fruit trees and vegetables. Paths and platforms invite visitors to explore the landscape, with seating areas and views toward the water. Visitors can move through the site's vertical differences from Nikolai Astrup’s Road to the lake. Platforms are elevated above the ground to minimize impact on nature.
This concept for the Exhibition Barn not only unites Astrup’s artistic vision with a deep respect for nature but also conveys a lasting connection to his life and work - one that will inspire and engage future generations.
