Reiulf Ramstad completes wooden church with a grand spire beside a Norwegian fjord
Oslo studio Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter has reinterpreted the traditional Norwegian stave church to create a modern chapel featuring folded timber surfaces and a huge pyramid-shaped spire (+ slideshow).
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
Oslo-based office Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter won a competition to design the 2,250-square-metre Community Church for the village of Knarvik, in Hordaland, Norway.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_21.jpg)
Built into a rocky slope where four fjords convene, the building is based on the form of the traditional Scandinavian stave church – a type of timber-framed and walled structure originating from the Middle Ages, typically topped with an elaborate roof.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_19.jpg)
"Inspired by the local tradition of Norwegian stave churches, the building utilises clear and elemental geometries, materials and constructions," said the architects.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
"The church signals its function with a sacral dignity and recognisable form, where the church spire, sanctuary and chapel are emphasised by ascending roof planes."
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_22.jpg)
Three triangular roof planes angle upwards from the base of the shard-like timber spire, which has a small cross affixed to its tip.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_15.jpg)
The folded roof structure dips in the centre but rises back up at the edges to create high-level windows. It reaches its highest point above the pulpit at the front of the church, at the opposite end of the building from the spire.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
Exterior walls are clad in strips of pine that have been pre-weathered to create a mottled colouring, designed to help the building blend with the rural landscape.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
Alternate strips of wood and glazing run across both upper and lower levels on the street-facing facade, giving the building a slatted appearance, while fine stripes create a grille over a circular opening for a stained glass window.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
"The building permits daylight into its volume through lancet-reminiscent tall and narrow windows," said the architects. "At night, the warm glow of the interior reveals the activities of its religious and cultural events."
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_16.jpg)
Visitors access the two-storey building on the upper level by climbing a set of wide concrete steps. The glazed entrance is gently recessed, creating some shelter overhead.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
"The building is carefully adapted to an existing hillside between built and natural environment, providing the church with an inspiring context of the surrounding heath landscape," said the architects.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
Although the multi-faceted roof suggests otherwise, the building sits on a simple rectangular plan. A large foyer and hall occupy the upper level, while office and meeting rooms are situated on the level below.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_20.jpg)
The main hall, which can accommodate a congregation of more than 500, is lined with light-coloured pine. It is used for arts and music events, as well as worship.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_13.jpg)
Individual wooden and metal framed chairs replace traditional church pews. The baptismal pool and pulpit stand on delicate metal legs on a raised platform in front of a large circular stained-glass window.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_12.jpg)
A stairway descends through the foyer to the ground-floor level. It is surrounded by sliding glass walls that can be closed to separate the offices from the meeting rooms.
![Community Church, Knarvik by Reiulf Ramstad](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Community-Church-Knarvik-by-Reiulf-Ramstad_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
Photography is by Hundven-Clements Photography unless stated otherwise.
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