In the coastal town of Kragerø, where white wooden houses dot the shoreline and a labyrinth of islands stretches into the horizon, Arkitekthuset Kragerø has, for over 40 years, quietly shaped the architectural language of Southern Norway.

From traditional timber buildings to striking modern cabins nestled into rugged terrain, Kragerø – often referred to as part of the Norwegian Riviera – is a delightful architectural destination. While it is a town of just 11,000 people, the population swells dramatically each summer as families return to the archipelago where they have holidayed for generations.

“We’re a small office in a small town, but we’ve always punched above our weight,” says architect and manager David Løffler. “With ten people on the team, this is a small office, yet unusually large for a place like this, and our diverse backgrounds give us unique perspectives.”

Arkitekthuset Kragerø: shaping homes from shoreline to skyline

Indeed, with architects from Chechnya, South Africa, and the Philippines, the firm’s team reflects an impressive international reach, yet its design ethos is firmly rooted in Kragerø.
“Whether we’re working on a hillside cabin, a seaside retreat, or a residential block in Oslo, our projects are shaped by the surroundings,” Løffler explains. “It’s important to us to not to force clients into a mould. We listen to their wants and requirements, then design from there.”

Arkitekthuset Kragerø: shaping homes from shoreline to skyline

Honouring building traditions – and challenging them

Founded in 1984 by the late architect Morten Lunøe, Arkitekthuset has evolved from a one-man practice to a dynamic, multi-disciplinary studio. Today, the firm handles everything from zoning plans and urban redevelopment to bespoke interiors and carpentered furniture pieces. Their portfolio spans from mountain cabins to city apartments in the capital, but their heart remains in Kragerø’s landscape with its 500 islands and over 4,000 holiday homes.

The town’s architectural identity is defined by its heritage of small-windowed, white-painted timber buildings, and Arkitekthuset plays an active role in preserving and continuing this architectural expression. After a significant town-centre fire some years ago, the firm was tasked with designing new buildings that harmonise with Kragerø’s historic character.

“When you build something traditional, it has to be done properly. We pay attention to the right proportions, the correct historical detailing, even the right kind of mouldings. It’s about respecting the environment you’re adding to,” says Løffler. “We specialise in navigating the strict building regulations along the shoreline. Getting permission to build within the 100-metre zone from the sea requires strong arguments and sensitivity to public benefit, and that’s where our local knowledge and understanding really proves invaluable.”

Working in a small town means wearing many hats. One day, the firm is handling a complex planning application for a new housing development. The next, they are designing a minimalist boathouse or a bespoke kitchen interior. Regardless of the project, there is one clear and consistent line: attention to detail, sensitivity to context, and a deep respect for the client’s vision.

Arkitekthuset Kragerø: shaping homes from shoreline to skyline

“We meet across their kitchen table, over a cup of coffee,” says Løffler. “These holiday homes are often some of the most cherished places people have. It’s personal. We want to realise their dream, so the next step is to truly listen.”

The architectural firm’s relationship to the clientele, whether local or international, is personal and attentive, and they show a rare ability to translate big ambitions into grounded, local expressions.

Despite its growing reputation, the firm is deliberate about staying accessible. “We design everything from a carport to a luxury villa. Being part of the local community is crucial to us. We support local business, collaborate with local builders, and understand how the system works here, both politically and practically,” Løffler says. With a laugh he continues: “In a big city, there’s a lot to see. In a small town, there’s a lot to hear. It’s wonderful to be seen and appreciated, but also a challenge at times. Different people have a lot to say, and we always do our best to listen.”

Using 3D modelling as a standard part of the process, the firm invites clients into every phase of design, making them participants rather than just recipients. It is part of the firm’s goal to continuously improve delivery and client satisfaction.

“Whether a project is completed in one stage or many, we invest in the relationship. That’s how we earn trust, and that’s how we get to keep shaping this beautiful part of the world,” Løffler says. “While deeply rooted in the local history, we’re also architects of 2025, which means that we do so with a forward-looking expression.”

Arkitekthuset Kragerø: shaping homes from shoreline to skyline

Web: www.arkitekthuset.no

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