A hilltop house with a view

Nordberg, a quiet, leafy neighbourhood of Oslo, stands out for its solidly-constructed buildings blending modern and vernacular styles. Situated on a hilltop near a lake with picturesque beaches, the area offers spectacular views across the capital, especially at dusk when the city lights begin to shimmer. It was here that a successful young industrial designer and entrepreneur chose to build her home, a cheerful, tastefully designed 90-square-metre penthouse complete with a 30-square-metre panoramic terrace.

For the interior design, she turned to Siv Amundsen-Lack and her FabLab Design studio, an award-winning, internationally acclaimed firm. The studio is renowned for placing the client’s needs and well-being at the centre of each project, creating spaces that reflect individual lifestyles while enhancing everyday comfort.

“This project grew out of a close and rewarding collaboration with the client,” explains Amundsen-Lack. “She has a strong aesthetic sense, including a love of texture, a preference for tactile and sustainable materials and a keen eye for colour – three qualities that shaped the architectural concept and decorative design of the penthouse.”

The south-facing apartment is organised with a clear and well-balanced division of space: the sleeping quarters are located to the left of the entrance, while the living area consists of an open-plan space that occupies roughly half the floor plan, comprising a kitchen, dining area and lounge which opens onto the balcony with views over Oslo. The nighttime area includes a master bedroom, guest room and bathrooms.

Colour is used thoughtfully throughout the home to create an atmosphere that is at once lively and relaxing. “The aim was to focus on the rooms with the best views, while also designing quiet, stress-free areas for sleeping and working,” says Siv. “I have a deep knowledge of the principles of Feng Shui, so I understand how colour can affect quality of life. With this in mind, we chose a palette of warm, deep tones to create a bold yet welcoming mood – a mix of light and dark, with red as a recurring theme.” Ceramic tiles from Fioranese play a key role in the design, chosen for their rich colours and textures, including the collections I Variegati (colour Cotto), Prestige (Portoro and Borghini Effect), Marmorea Intensa (Emerald Dream and Azul Bahia) and Kintsugi (in several decorative versions of the colours Black and Fog). “We selected these tiles for their textures and colours and their striking aesthetic and emotional appeal,” notes the architect. “Our client had lived in Italy and had developed a real appreciation for porcelain stoneware floors and walls. These light, bright materials are versatile, decorative and easy to keep clean.”

The floor plan is simple and functional, ensuring a smooth flow between the open, social areas and the more intimate, private spaces. The linear kitchen stands out for its mix of pop aesthetics and high-tech design, combining a green and white chequered backsplash with a rhythmic sequence of stainless-steel appliances. The lighting, developed with the help of a lighting designer, makes maximum use of natural daylight while creating dramatic and atmospheric effects. A radiant underfloor heating system and constant sea breezes ensure effective ventilation and improve the penthouse’s energy performance. Ultimately, this penthouse is more than just a place to live: it is a refined statement of contemporary living, where architectural precision goes hand-in-hand with a deeply personal vision. Built to comply with Norway’s latest sustainability standards, its timeless aesthetic ensures lasting appeal.