boutique homes dispatches

Norway’s Hotel on Wheels

The small Norwegian city of Åndalsnes is a point of entry for tourists headed towards the country's stunning fjords, but the city itself needs an overhaul. Enter Jagnefält Milton Architects and their unique design for a "rolling masterplan": a totally revolutionary way of re-organizing the city that will utilize existing train tracks to move new buildings–in this case, simple boxes on wheels–into new positions based on season and events.

The proposal, which took third place in the design contest hosted by Åndalsnes, included everything from a concert hall to a public hall, but the most interesting part to us is the rolling hotel.

The rooms would be simple, minimally furnished cabins that would group in the city center during the winter and move along in the tracks in the summer, taking guests out of the city and into the countryside.

The designers made the cabins of varying widths and heights based on their function. The large tower you see on the far left is the hotel restaurant followed by the kitchen, first aid cabin, locker, and sauna. The hotel would offer a suite, double room, single room, and loft for guests. Despite the modern appeareance, this "rolling hotel" is very similar in spirit to old-fashioned trains with their deluxe dining and sleeping coaches.

Should this proposal ever become a reality, it might be possible to take in some of Norway's most stunning views without ever leaving your hotel room. Just don't rock the cabin while it's on the bridge! MT

Back to dispatches