Sea Cabins, a cabin in Norway

Børge Ousland & Architect Snorre Stinessen Create Striking Arctic Shelters For Adventurous Nomads

Situated at the water's edge overlooking the spectacular scenery of the Steigen Archipelago, this striking collection of Architizer award-winning cabin rentals in Norway was commissioned by renowned polar explorer Børge Ousland in partnership with architect Snorre Stinessen.

Inspired to design a unique exploration and adventure resort, Ousland purchased the 55-acre island of Manshausen in 2010, creating a vacation destination and concept that combines the rugged adventure of the arctic and the striking artistry of modern design.

Constructed and assembled on-site, the prefabricated structures were designed to limit the impact on the pristine environment and highlight the beauty of the landscape.

Each of the seven cabins is placed to maximize the views while providing privacy for the occupants with floor to ceiling walls of glass facing the sea. Five of the seven cabins are cantilevered over the stone moorings above the water, while the other two are set on a rocky ledge at an angle to the coastline.

A restored 18th-century farmhouse was converted into a communal kitchen and dining lounge for guests with an expedition library stocked with books from Borges' personal collection. There is a relaxing hot tub, a saltwater pool, and a private beach along with endless wilderness for adventure.

With entries from over 100 countries, the Sea Cabins were cited and selected as the best of architecture worldwide in the 2016 Architizer A+ Awards: A+ Award Jury Winner and Popular Choice Winner in the Architecture Cantilever category, A+ Award Popular Choice Winner in Hospitality: Hotels & Resorts category, and the A+ Award Popular Choice Winner in Architecture + Glass category.

These modern shelters bring out the arctic explorer and chic nomad in all of us! Ask about additional experiences that include fishing expeditions, kayaking or row boating, hiking and cave tours, and guided mountaineering. And don't miss the Northern Lights, best viewed between October and March.

Read an interview with Borge Ousland in our Stories section here.

Around

Situated in the Steigen Archipelago off the coast of Northern Norway, the island of Manshausen lies in the middle of the Grøtøy strait between the dramatic peaks of the Lofoten mountains and the Barents Sea.

Comprised of 55 acres, the island and surrounding archipelago are an outdoor adventurer's dream, with endless winter and summer sports and dramatic unspoiled natural beauty.

The former 17th-century harbor was a bustling trading post and fishing port and at one time one of the biggest in Norway. The small village of Nordskot is the heart of the island's commercial center with a coastal museum and a shop or two, but for more services, shops and cafes you can grab a short boat or car ride to neighboring Leinesfjord or Helnessund.