In 2017, MORFEUS Arkitekter was commissioned by Astri and Henrik Botten Taubøl to design a new home on their recently inherited property at 24 Sorbyhaugen in Oslo. Although the original house was in poor condition, the clients decided to rebuild, renovate, and expand this 1933 residence. The outcome is a contemporary architectural masterpiece that blends unique style with local historical heritage.
The property is located in the Ulern district of Oslo, perched on a ridge sloping westward toward the small stream “Makrellbekken.” The terrain descends approximately 30 meters from the higher western edge to the lower eastern side. Surrounded by tall pine trees, the southwest side offers stunning views of Oslo Fjord.
The original residence, built in 1933, was once home to the client’s grandmother. The neighborhood features early functionalist wooden villas typical of the area. Although the house at 24 Sorbyhaugen has no special heritage protection, the design team incorporated classic functionalist details and colors both inside and out, while introducing modern elements in the architectural style, detailing, and floor plan.
The original layout featured numerous corridors, with rooms separated and isolated. In contrast, the new design centers around a core area housing the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom, surrounded by spacious, open living areas. An open design on the first floor enhances connectivity between levels and brings a fresh sense of openness to the original 2.4-meter-high residence.
Situated in a prime location, the property offers panoramic views of Oslo Fjord and close proximity to towering pine trees. While the original house had limited connection to the outdoors due to small windows, the renovation introduced floor-to-ceiling French windows for expansive views. The interior and exterior color palettes draw inspiration from the functionalist era and the vibrant life of the client’s grandmother.
This project exemplifies sustainable reuse: existing floor beams, chimneys, fireplaces, and most exterior wall structures were preserved and repurposed. Meanwhile, new doors and windows were installed, and the exterior walls and roof were insulated to meet current energy efficiency standards. The fully renovated home now welcomes a new generation and is expected to be cherished for the next 90 years.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: MORFEUS Arkitekter
Area: 260 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Finn Ståle Feldberg
Factory: FLOS, Svane, Villeroy and Boch, The Northwest Window
Lead Architects: Caroline Støvring, Cecilie Wille, Matthew Dylan Anderson, Mari Høstmælingen Grennæs
Construction Team: Tømmermester Øivind Frivoll AS
Location: Oslo, Norway
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