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Flesefossen Rest Area
Frid-jorun Stabell

Flesefossen Rest Area

The road connection through Brattlandsdalen was built in 1879-84 and is considered a highlight in Norwegian infrastructure. The road was carved out of the mountainside with mighty rock masses hanging over it like a roof.
National Highway 13, leads through Brattlandsdalen from county road 47 in Sand to E134 in Røldal. This is the Norwegian Scenic Routes eastern run through Ryfylke.

photo_credit Frid-jorun Stabell
Frid-jorun Stabell
photo_credit Frid-jorun Stabell
Frid-jorun Stabell
photo_credit Frid-jorun Stabell
Frid-jorun Stabell

The old rest area, with a spectacular view of Flesefossen, bore the mark of age, and was to be replaced by a new rest area. As a supplement to the Norwegian Scenic Routes attractions, the new rest area was to contain a service building with toilets, signage, and a place to stay and view.

photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp
photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp
photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp

With inspiration from Bratlandsdalåa, Flesefossen, water, and potholes, among others, we have designed a rest area with curved lines that take in the terrain's formations. The space is underlined by a powerful layered structure with contrasts in the use of materials and colors.

photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp
photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp
photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp

The steel structure, consisting of columns and a roof, forms pockets with room for toilets and benches. The steel structure stands on a concrete plateau that defines the rest area and separates the highway and the waterfall. The design of the plateau forms a viewing balcony and a sitting amphitheater which makes it possible to walk down to the river.

photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp
photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp
photo_credit Hanna Maria van Zijp
Hanna Maria van Zijp

The structure contains vertical wooden posts with black-stained Accoya that form denser sections with integrated functions.

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