When a couple in Oslo moved in together, they did more than combine two lives — they also combined two spaces. One half of the pair had been living in an apartment in a 19th-century building in central Oslo, and when his girlfriend moved in, they took the opportunity to purchase the loft space above. "They wanted to turn the place from a one floor bachelor pad to family duplex," says Nikki Butenschøn of Haptic Architects.
"They wanted an overall Scandi feel to it," says Butenschøn. "Lots of daylight, light materials, and as few walls as possible." The firm worked to unify the two levels, connecting them with a striking staircase that became the centerpiece of the apartment. Part of the upper area was used to create a double-height dining area, adding to the bright, airy feel of the apartment. The architects also played with level changes to make the space more dynamic. The end result is a modern take on Scandinavian style and a fresh space for a newly cohabitating couple.
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