When renovating a 1960s villa, Norwegian interior design company Michelsens were looking for elements that chimed with Japanese aesthetics and Scandinavian minimalism – they turned to Duravit for help.
Photos: Terje Arntsen.
Villa Schjøtt, an example of 1960s Scandinavian architecture, nestles in the heart of the Paradis district in Bergen. Designed by the Norwegian architect Geir Grung, the villa is characterised by clear geometric lines, large glass panels and a fluid interplay of interior and exterior areas.
The sensitive renovation by Oslo-based interior design company Michelsens retained the original character while upgrading the building in line with contemporary living standards. In keeping with the stylish Japandi furnishings, the interior designers opted for the Duravit ranges Zencha, ME by Starck, and C.1 for the bathroom renovation.
The villa has 5 bathrooms that combine functional solutions with aesthetic ones. Michelsens deliberately made the most of the existing architecture especially in the master bathroom. The result: an impressive view from every functional area. The centrepiece is the freestanding Zencha bathtub complemented by the floor-mounted C.1 bath mixer.
In the other bathrooms, Zencha above-counter basins with matching vanity units set stylish accents, while ME by Starck wall-mounted toilets round off the design. Duravit hand-held and overhead showers, and shower thermostats ensure a streamlined aesthetic in the showers.
Geir Grung is considered one of the most influential Norwegian architects of his era. His functionalist designs are marked by a close connection to the natural environment. With its harmonious relationship between light, nature, and architecture, Villa Schjøtt is testament this approach.
Full-length windows underpin this principle as interior and exterior spaces melt into one another. While this architectural clarity was retained as part of the modernisation project, the concept is enhanced by a contemporary residential aesthetic.
The appearance of the building still centres on concrete, whitewashed brick walls, wood, and glass, which lend a timeless elegance. Indirect lighting ensures gentle transitions between the materials, while large glass panels funnel daylight deep into the rooms.
