André Myhrer has found peace at his retreat in Bergsjö—a place filled with cherished childhood memories.

As a young boy, he spent a lot of time there, where his grandmother and grandfather had a small cabin. Summer days were spent sunbathing, swimming, and playing. Now, after he and his wife Madelene took over the property a few years ago, they have created a new home for their children, and hopefully, for future generations as well. They call it Villa Myhrer. After several years of working on the project, André finally enjoys the result—a beautiful outdoor space with slate, perfect for enjoying sunny summer days.

The transformation of the place has been significant. They removed many trees to open up the landscape, as the area was previously densely forested. The old cabin, a small red building with white corners, stood in the middle of the plot where their new house now stands. Although it was sad to tear down the old cabin, André feels that the new house truly honors the place.

When planning the house, they focused on the orientation to maximize sunlight. Considering the frequent winds, they also chose to build the house in a cross shape to create shelter from the wind, whether it came from the east or west. The placement of the house was also carefully considered. The large stones already on the plot were incorporated into the design. The result is a beautiful walkway leading to the entrance, which feels vibrant and natural. André is also very pleased with the stairs leading up to the garage.

The outdoor space was created without major complications. They sent a tarp as a template to Stoneart, which customized the slate to fit the walkway. The slate was delivered numbered on pallets, and the pieces were laid one by one, making the process smooth and seamless. They chose durable materials that would last a long time, and André is glad to have selected a resilient product that can last for generations.

They also built a “firepit”—a cozy gathering spot where the family can grill sausages and enjoy late evenings around the fire. The area was designed with round shapes and natural materials like stone, wood, and metal. The outdoor kitchen is also part of the thoughtful design. Offerdal slate was used for the ground, while Oppdal slate, which is slightly lighter, was used for the kitchen. The combination of different materials fits perfectly, and the family is very pleased with the result.

The outdoor space continues around the house and transitions into a wooden terrace, a shift they find very successful. As for the lawn edge, they wanted a softer transition, so the slate was laid to naturally flow into the grass. The entire process was about preserving the natural feel of the place, recreating the connection to nature that André experienced as a child.