Bukkekjerka by MORFEUS arkitekter

Bukkekjerka
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

The site is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya in Northern Norway. Characteristic for the site is the rock formation of “Bukkekjerka” between the road and the sea; a protected Sami cultural monument where nature has carved out an altar and a pulpit.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

Over the last 50-60 years this has been the venue of an annual open-air church service that attracts people from all over the district. In pre-Christian time this was a sacred site, where Sami people made offerings, to which the sacrificial cave on the seaside bears witness, a dramatic landscape where the fierce North Sea meets the shore and later steep mountains.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

Sami tales and monuments connected to different parts of the land, remnants of the old fishing community Børvågen, the old lighthouses towards east, and consecrated ground and unique geological formations to the south – all surrounding the rock formation known as “Bukkekjerka” – or “Bohkegeargi” in Sami.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

We wanted to highlight these different places by introducing several and dispersed elements to the site. The facility therefore consists of different elements spread out in the landscape: Parking and service functions to the north, a bonfire by the shore, a free-standing seating bench on the mountain facing the midnight sun, picnic areas, paths, and a footbridge that shows the way out towards the lighthouses.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

Furthest south is a rest area on consecrated ground. This part of the facility is planned to be used for an annual open-air church service as well as weddings and other gatherings. The introduction of the various elements into the landscape help uncover the inherent qualities of the place. Our hope is that these elements are unveiled and experienced gradually, encouraging further exploration and experience of place.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

The elements are adapted to the existing terrain, not the other way around. We have wanted to proceed carefully, but also with a boldness that echoes the surrounding landscape. The main architectural expression consists of folded concrete slabs, inspired by the jagged mountain peaks in the area.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

Variations within the same materiality arise from different functions, and in their encounter with different landscape situations. Our goal was that the project should appear more like landscape and sculptural elements, less like a building. The service building with toilets has one-way mirror glass so that the visitor in private may enjoy the view over the open sea and the row of mountain peaks in the north.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

On the outside, the mirror glass windows reflect the magnificent landscape. The building otherwise consists of polished, acid-resistant steel that reflects the surroundings. The view from a vernacular Norwegian outhouse is in part the inspiration. At the same time, we are fascinated by mirroring as a phenomenon.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

The mirroring makes the built melt in with the surroundings, at the same time offering a new and shifting experiences. We are very happy now that we see the entire project finalized, and that the different elements have become as intended and designed. It has not been only easy. The site is remote, and weather conditions have at times been extremely harsh.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille

A formidable effort has been done by all involved parties. It’s exciting to see how the project is received, especially by the local community. Andøya is a unique and distinctive place. Our hope is that the facility will be used again and again, by visitors and of course by local residents. Source by MORFEUS arkitekter.

Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
  • Location: Municipality of Andøy in Vesterålen, Norway
  • Architect: MORFEUS arkitekter
  • Principal architects: Caroline Støvring and Cecilie Wille
  • Structural Engineer: K.Apeland
  • Landscape architect: Aaste Gulden Sakya
  • Project leader: Hugo Fagermo, Norwegian Scenic Routes
  • Contractor: VEIDEKKE Entreprenør
  • Client: Norwegian Scenic Routes
  • Building Type: Main rest station for the Norwegian Scenic Routes
  • Size: Approx. 260 m2
  • Year: 2018
  • Photographs: Courtesy of MORFEUS arkitekter
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Photo © MORFEUS Støvring Wille
Bukkekjerka
Plan parking and service
Bukkekjerka
Section
Bukkekjerka
Rest area south on cosecreted ground

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