A house that has stood for more than 140 years carries a story. This villa in Bærum had survived two world wars, several generations and countless rounds of refurbishment. But the years had taken their toll. The structure was weakened, the building services were outdated - the house needed far more than a fresh coat of paint.
The owners wanted to preserve the soul of the house while giving it a new lease of life. That called for a full renovation - and it called for someone who truly knew what they were doing.
With Bjørn I felt an energy I had never encountered before, and it impressed me enormously.- Homeowner
The owners had a single requirement: one point of contact throughout the entire project. No changing project managers along the way, no new faces to deal with. Bjørn became that person. In return, Bjørn had one requirement of his own: nothing would begin until everything was planned down to the very last detail.
For a heritage-listed house in Bærum, planning is not just sensible - it is essential. Every change to the facade has to be approved by the heritage authority. A wrong choice early on can mean months of delay later. We took the time to understand what could be changed and what had to be preserved. Which windows could be replaced. How new insulation could be added without altering the look of the facade. Where technical routing could run without damaging original details.
It led to a string of wonderfully enjoyable and hugely creative meetings. Bjørn, the architect and the engineer would not rest until they knew exactly where every last light switch should go.- Homeowner
Below the surface we found exactly what we expected: a house in need of structural reinforcement. The entire structure had to be upgraded. Steel beams weighing several tonnes were lifted into the loft by crane - an operation that demanded precise planning and experienced people.
This is the reality of older houses. Joists that have sagged. Sill plates with rot damage. Load-bearing members that no longer carry what they should. We mapped everything before we started - no surprises along the way.
Heritage-listed houses in Bærum carry an extra layer of complexity. You own the house, but you do not decide everything yourself. Facade changes, window replacements, roofing work - it all has to be approved. We have been through this process many times and know what works, which arguments hold up, and which compromises are acceptable.
For this villa, that meant close dialogue with the heritage authority throughout the entire project. The result is a house that meets modern standards of comfort and safety, yet still looks just as it has for more than a hundred years. A new structure beneath the old facade. Modern building services behind the original walls. A home that works for the way people live today, while carrying its history with it.
This was professional from day one until the project was complete.
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