How does TØVA convey the concept of Nordic Cabin life?

A Nordic cabin isn’t just a place, it’s an iconic experience in our culture. You and your family escape the frenetic modern world and head to an isolated cabin to get closer to nature; hiking, fishing, foraging, even hunting. The Norwegian word friluftsliv or “free air life”, describes how being outdoors nourishes both body and spirit. By mindfully engaging with nature, you awaken the senses and find a deep sense of wellbeing. Inside TØVA, we echo the emotions of Nordic cabin life, with spaces that soothe the psyche and encourage a sense of connection with the natural world and the people around you.

Does TØVA’s interior design feel like a typical cabin?

Traditionally, Nordic cabins were quite rustic, some without electricity or running water. The decor is typically simple, warmed up with cosy cushions and throws. At TØVA, we translate that simplicity into a very modern approach. The core ethos is koselig, a state of mind where you actively embrace winter, rather than ‘enduring’ it. This starts with the hearth, the heart of any cabin, reflected throughout TØVA, always with a large wooden table nearby for shared meals or evening card games. We weave in nostalgic cabin references, such as bunk beds, but always in a contemporary context of luxurious contentment.

How did the surrounding landscape influence the design?

Nature is integral to Nordic life, so TØVA brings the landscape indoors. TØVA’s style is refined, but also very pure. Instead of ‘decorating’ the interiors, we showcase beautiful local timber and raw, chiselled stone, both crafted with different levels of refinement or roughness to add richness and character. Seeing and touching natural materials connects us with nature, and even boosts wellbeing. We balance the wood and stone with textiles, adding softness and the human touch. Abstract landscape tapestries adorn the walls, hand-woven by a Nordic artist, a nod to heritage crafts and the tradition of weaving or knitting by the cabin fire.

How does your design encourage togetherness?

Community is the heart of the TØVA experience. In terms of design, this means generous gestures that promote interaction. TØVA has extensive communal amenities, including a spacious living room with a roaring fire. Large tables and benches encourage neighbours to gather, instead of splintering into small clusters. In addition to the well-appointed gym, relaxation room and sauna, we added a cinema room with a large sofa landscape. This space also functions as a children’s play area, and the cinema screen doubles as a ski simulator. In these community spaces, TØVA residents will relax together, talk and play.

What kind of atmosphere did you want to create at TØVA?

We want residents to experience TØVA as a haven of genuine serenity. Lighting creates a cosy ambience. Each glowing fireplace signals a moment of gathering, and lamps add warm illumination. We curated bespoke furniture in a range of sculptural shapes, hinting at the playfulness of nature. Poufs look like granite boulders, but feel soft to the touch. Textures add richness: rough contrasts with smooth, grainy with refined, sofas feature tactile weaving. Beautifully crafted shelves highlight the Nordic cabin tradition of collecting a stone, feather or branch on your walk and bringing it home as a souvenir of your time outdoors.