Borge’s company has been supplying handmade log cabins in the Numedal area since 2006. And an Oppdal slate fireplace comes as standard in all the cabins.

– A beautiful log cabin cannot have a steel chimney and a small wood-burning stove. It just doesn’t look right to us, says Borge.

Meanwhile, he doesn’t hide the fact that this is a fireplace for the quality conscious. He goes as far as calling it art.

– Yes, our fireplace masons are artists. Once the customer has chosen a shape, size and type, we build it according to a tried and trusted method. It is a mix of a raw and uneven-edged tiles from Oppdal, and the result is fantastic. A fireplace that is both modern and traditional at the same time, says Borge.

Not only does the slate fireplace have a good heat effect, it becomes a piece of art and a meeting point in the cabin.

– Slate is of course a material that is known to retain heat well, which is why it’s ideal for fireplaces. But our customers are just as interested in the look. They want to see the flame pattern and get that feeling of cosiness. The feedback is that a beautiful slate fireplace makes those cosy moments even better.

And when Drømmehytta’s quality-conscious customers want inviting outdoor areas, here too slate is the best bet. From slate-covered terraces and paths of slate paving stones to jacuzzi enclosures.

– Slate makes your outdoor space look finished. It is both natural and maintenance-free, but also looks tidy. This is a combination many people are looking for, and we find creative ways to solve it.

Because it’s not as if there’s a shortage of opportunities for to get creative.
– That’s the thing about slate – you can enjoy all its many qualities in a choice of looks. Outside, it is common to have a slightly rougher fit, with plenty of paving stones. Some people prefer rectangular tiles on their terrace, but many choose quarry slate, says Borge.

Borge thinks that much of the magic of slate lies in its eternity. It’s a material that ages like a fine wine.

– With many other materials, you have to worry about weather, water and wind, while with natural stone, the opposite is true. Natural forces just make the slate even more beautiful. If you get a stain on it, time will wash it away. It’s a material you can always trust, he says.

This means that the owners of Drømmehytta don’t have to worry about maintaining outdoor spaces. Not even the chimney, because that too is made of slate.

– A slate chimney is the finishing touch, especially when your outdoor area is also made of natural stone. This is something we know many people think is really cool. It’s about connecting the outdoor area at ground level, the roof and maybe even the surrounding walls. The result is a consistent external look.

For many years, the slate enthusiasts in Drømmehytta have built relationships with dealers and craftsmen who are passionate about this Norwegian natural stone. They ensure that quarry slate is both cut and laid as customers want it.

– We’ve been to Oppdal to learn even more about this fantastic product. It has given us inspiration, more enthusiasm and greater respect for the work behind it.-  

Borge’s advice for anyone considering using slate in their own home or cabin is therefore to take the craft seriously.

– Consult a professional who knows about the product. The price is the same, but the result is better.