Scandinavia generally refers to the countries of Northern Europe, specifically Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. While some argue that Finland and Iceland should be included, the first three are the most widely recognized as part of the Scandinavian Region. The name “Scandinavia” originates from the ancient Germanic language; the word “Skadi” is associated with the weather in the region as well as the mountains, and “navia” means island or land.
With time, Scandinavia started representing the countries in Northern Europe with the same weather, culture, history, and language. Like any other country or region, Scandinavia had its very own vernacular architectural design that aligned with its climate and people, later gave birth to the concept of “Scandinavian Architecture.”
Vernacular architecture is defined as a local and regional architecture that is designed based on a regions’ climate, context, and culture. When talking about Scandinavian countries, we talk about long and dark winters and very short summers. For this reason, most Scandinavian architecture uses modern principles like long glass facades to maximize the amount of sunlight inside a building, simple designs, natural materials like wood, and most importantly, functionality.
A major influence on the concept of Scandinavian architecture is the Romantic Movement that started in the late 18th century and reached its peak in the mid 19th century. The National Romantic Movement was a reaction against the brutality of industrialism. It longed for a simpler, traditional, and functional life, which is why Scandinavian buildings became simpler, fitting in with the natural landscape and creating a modern yet vernacular approach to architecture.
In this article, we showcase 10 examples of Scandinavian Buildings.
Oslo Opera House
Architect: Snøhetta
Location: Norway
Year: 2007
Area: 38,500 m²
Like most Nordic countries, ballet and opera are important art forms and traditions that require preservation and practice. Therefore, the largest home of Norwegian ballet and opera, the Oslo Opera House, is in central Oslo. It was designed by a Norwegian architecture firm called Snohetta and completed in 2007. The building won several architectural awards, such as the cultural award at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in 2008 and the European Union Prize (Mies Van Der Rohe award) in 2009, making it a renowned Scandinavian building studied by many. The exterior of the building is covered in white granite, Italian marble, and entire glass facades, contributing to its modern approach. Its beauty is also seen in its roof, which blends with the surrounding environment by being slanted to the ground and is people-friendly by being walkable. The interior of the building is covered in oakwood, which contrasts with the pure white exterior to add warmth to the space.
The firm who designed this opera house, Snøhetta, are known to integrate artists in their building designs right from the beginning of the conceptual and design phase of any project. They involve them as collaborators instead of decorators. This creates a more cohesive and meaningful integration of artistic elements into the architectural design. For instance, the large marble-clad roof of this building is an example of the architect/artist collaboration, which is why it is adorned with art that is seen as part of the architectural experience.
Stockholm City Hall
Architect: Ragnar Östberg
Location: Sweden
Year: 1923
Area: 8,000 m²
An example of modern Scandinavian architecture influenced by Nordic National Romanticism and early modernism is the Stockholm City Hall. The building was designed by Swedish architect Ragnar Ostberg, who was heavily influenced by the Romanticism movement and European classicism, especially in the city of Venice in Italy. Being a mixture of Ostberg’s many inspirations, the building is a collection of beauty found in different architectural styles. The city hall’s inner and outer courtyards were inspired by the Italian Renaissance Palaces, and the large marble staircase was influenced by the Romantic movement. An integral point to mention is that the romantic movement focused on using and appreciating local materials which is why Stockholm City Hall was made entirely of Swedish building materials.
Art plays a crucial role in Scandinavian buildings; architect Ostberg believed that art and architecture complete each other, which is why all artworks found inside the buildings reflect Sweden’s history and culture and most of the interior is designed by local artists and artisans creating a true example of Scandinavian Architecture.
Icelandic Turf House
Architect: Local Builders
Location: Iceland
Year: 9th Century
Area: 50-150 m²
Although Icelandic turf houses are not categorized under modern Scandinavian architecture, they have had a significant influence on modern Scandinavian design. Having said that, turf houses are traditional Icelandic dwellings where Vikings used to rest. These houses were a major part of vernacular architecture, as they are made of stone and covered with a thick turf layer, which provides protection from the harsh weather conditions of Iceland while also maintaining comfort in the interior space by allowing air to flow through. This innovative approach has had a lasting impact on various architectural styles, not just Scandinavian. Architects have drawn inspiration from turf houses in terms of minimalism, natural ventilation, sustainability, and designs that blend with the surrounding landscape—elements that are now prominent in many contemporary Scandinavian designs.
Vennesla Library
Architect: Helen & Hard
Location: Norway
Year: 2011
Area: 1,938 m²
The Vennesla Library, located in Vennesla, Norway, is an extension of the city’s community and cultural center. Designed by a Norwegian architecture firm, the library features 27 prefabricated glue-laminated timber ribs that combine structure and aesthetics, creating a dynamic feel. What makes this design special is its innovative use of the rib-like structure, which functions inside-out by incorporating the ribs into the library’s internal layout.
As shown in the image above, the structural ribs are offset within the library, serving as both seating and bookshelves. Additionally, the ceiling integrates all necessary technical elements, contributing to the building’s low energy consumption and earning it a Class A rating in the Norwegian energy use classification system.
Tele2 Arena
Architect: White Arkitekter
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Year: 2013
Area: 118,000 m²
The Tele2 Arena, located in Stockholm’s Globe district, is a prime example of sustainable Scandinavian design, renowned for its unique asymmetrical architecture. Its presence has elevated Stockholm’s status as a world-class city, thanks to its simplicity paired with intricate design details and its multifunctional purpose in hosting football games, concerts, and various events.
The stadium features a perforated metal façade, designed to be easily accessible and integrated into the community, rather than standing apart from it. Inside the arena, the outdoor environment remains visible, and the interior can also be viewed from the outside. In addition to these features, the arena’s Scandinavian design is further reflected in the Nordic materials chosen for the building—bright, robust, and natural.
Tungestolen Tourist Cabin
Architect: Snohetta
Location: Norway
Year: 2019
Area: 748 m²
Having been homes for hikers for more than 100 years, the Tungestolen cabin is in Luster, Norway with views to the largest glacier (frozen river) in mainland Europe. The cabins are considered vernacular as they protect hikers from the harsh weather of the area. Fast-forward to 2011, the tungestolen cabin was destroyed due to a powerful cyclone called Dagmar. After its complete destruction, the Luster community managed to raise enough money to rebuild it and held a competition which Snohetta won in 2015.
The Norwegian architecture firm designed a total of nine cabins with a pentagonal shape built with sturdy wooden frames covered with cross-laminated timber (CLT). Snohetta being Snohetta, the materials used are strong, eco-friendly, and durable. To protect the cabin from the harsh winds, the outer walls are shaped like a bird’s beak that slows down the wind. The Tungestolen Cabins beautifully sit on a plateau offering views for families looking for a retreat or hikers wanting to rest.
The Aalto House
Architect: Alvar Aalto
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Year: 1930
Area: 230 m²
Alvar Aaalto was born right at the onset of modernism, and being the architect that he was, Aalto was a symbol of Finnish modernism. At only 25 years of age, the architect opened his own firm specializing in small single-family houses. He later married an architect, Aino Marsio, and spent their honeymoon in Italy which is where he came to realize and take inspiration from the Mediterranean beauty and culture.
The architect is well-known for his very own house, which is also his office space.
I tell you; it is easier to build a grand opera or a city center than to build a personal house.
Alvar Aalto
The Aalto House is in Finland’s capital, Helsinki, where Alvar Aalto lived, and it has now been turned into a museum that celebrates who he was and his legacy. What makes his house special is that he transformed his innovative design ideas into a combined home and office. The materials used were wood and brick, and the design was based on the contrast between the living space and the office. The exterior of the office side was made of white brickwork, while the home section was built from dark-stained wood. Aalto and his wife, Aino, utilized this opportunity to design their own home by testing out different materials with a combination of modern design and traditional and natural elements.
House For Two Artists
Architect: Mikael Bergquist
Location: Nämdö, Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Year: 2022
Area: Not specified.
A house inspired by traditional Swedish farmhouses, designed by the Swedish architecture firm Mikael Bergquist Arkitektkontor, serves as a retreat residence for two artists that is accessible only by boat, which enhances privacy. Unique aspects about the house are its balance between durability and aesthetics. A visible contrast is seen in the way materials are portrayed in this house; the exterior is made of untreated fir paneling while the interior is treated with more care, as if it is “one piece of furniture”.
Essentially, the exterior materials are made to withstand harsh weather conditions while the inside is designed more delicately ensuring whoever stays in this house is comfortable and warm. The design reflects the Scandinavian values of simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural materials.
The Blue Planet
Architect: 3XN
Location: Denmark
Year: 2012
Area: 10,000 m²
A modern Scandinavian building resembling a starfish, visible from the airplane upon arriving at Copenhagen Airport, Denmark, draws inspiration from the endless waves and tales of the surrounding sea, reflecting its functional narrative. The Blue Planet’s appearance changes from various angles and elevations, which is a key aspect of its design.
The building’s look varies throughout the day, depending on the sun’s path, and while the façade appears clean from a distance, it reveals a fish-scale-like texture up close. The “fish scales” are 33,000 small diamond-shaped aluminum shingles, which adapt to the building’s organic form that can be expanded to accommodate future needs.
Holiday Home
Architect: Margen Wigow Arkitektkontor
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Year: 2019
Area: 143 m²
A literal holiday home located in Stockholm’s Southern archipelago that is also close to the mainland, making visitors feel as if they are disconnected from the outer world whilst still having access to it. The buildings are placed on high cliffs which is why they have an elevated feel; they are also somehow connected to the sea optimizing views and emphasizing its integration with the contextual beauty.
The exterior of the buildings are made of vertically oriented wooden panels painted black, which is a traditional Scandinavian architecture color. In addition to its striking black, it has full glass facades that enhance the residents’ connection to nature (another aspect of Scandinavian architecture). The interior contrasts with the exterior finishes by being painted white to ensure spaces are bright and open while the flooring is made of Swedish limestone offering a balance between beauty and maintenance.
Architecture, and art in general, is always about balance—balance between the old and the new, the present and what’s to come, form and function, color, and material. It is all about balance, which is what makes Scandinavian architecture stand out. Many might think that this type of architectural design is the same as modern architecture. However, it differs in many ways. While the rise of this kind of architecture evolved from modernism and even classicism, it also revives many architectural traditions that seem to be forgotten nowadays. Scandinavian designs serve as a reminder of the past with a promise for a bright future.
