In Northern Norway, Vesterålen, along the Andøya Scenic Route, there is an area known for the characteristic rock formation “Bukkekjerka”. In this place between the sea and the road, nature has created an altar. An outdoor church service has been held here every year for 50 to 60 years, attracting people from all over the district. In pre-Christian times, this place was considered a holy site where the Sami brought their offerings. To protect the area south of Bukkekjerka, MORFEUS arkitekter created service functions and parking spaces here. The service building stands out at first glance with its facade made of mirror glass and concrete.
Fascinating masterpiece made of mirror glass and concrete
The place where the former holy site was located impresses with its unique diversity andBeauty of nature. The landscape here has a lot to offer. The North Sea meets the coast and mountains. A flat landscape with a rock face in the background opens up before anyone who drives through the portal between Bukkekjerka and Børrafjellet. Ancient lighthouses to the east, reminiscent of fishing in ancient times, blessed pastures and unique geological formations to the south - all surround the rock formation known as “Bukkekjerka” or in Sami – “Bohkegeargi”.
The project by MORFEUS arkitekter, completed in 2018, accommodates parking and service buildings to the north, campfires on the shore, a free-standing bench with a view of the midnight sun and sometimes whales passing in the waves. It has a picnic area, paths and a footbridge that leads to the lighthouses. In the southernmost area of the complex, a quiet zone was created where annual outdoor services as well as weddings, concerts and other events take place.
The individual elements of the complex were created with the aim of revealing the inherent characteristics of the locality. The architects hope that the elements of this complex will be gradually discovered, which will lead to further development and exploration of the site. Some components of the facility were specifically adapted to the existing terrain and not the other way around. The whole concept was carried out with great respect for nature, but at the same time with a boldness that reflects the surrounding landscape.
The service building should appear much more like a sculptural element of the landscape than a building. The facility existsmade of concrete slabs, whose lines were inspired by the jagged mountain peaks in the region. Although the same material was used, variations can be seen that arose from the different functions and the encounter with different landscape situations.
Mirror glass was used asMaterial for the facadeof the service building with toilets. Visitors can marvel at the sea in front of them, the barrow and the mountain range to the north. Viewed from the outside, the plate glass windows reflect the impressive landscape. The service building is otherwise made of polished, acid-resistant steel that reflects the surroundings. Reflection is a fascinating phenomenon that allows what is built by human hands to merge with its surroundings and at the same time offers new experiences. If you go to the top of Bukkekjerka, you can enjoy the great view from a small bench. A rest area with benches was built at the foot of the southern wall of Bukkekjerka, which blend harmoniously with the formations on the site.
Executing this project, as initially intended by the architects, was not an easy task. The location chosen is remote and the weather conditions were extremely bad in some places. Ultimately, the project was embraced by the local community. Both the town of Andøya and the architectural masterpiece made of mirror glass and concrete are unique. The facility will certainly be used again and again by residents and visitors in the future.
*a project byMORPHEUS architects
