A life-sized gingerbread house has been built in the Norwegian mountains using MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME.
The building, which is part of the Savalen Hotel and Spa, is nestled alongside one of Eastern Norway’s lakes, and reflects the vivacious nature of Savalen which caters to those with a keen sense of adventure. For 70% of the year, the area is draped in snow, with temperatures averaging between -6.8 and 0 degrees Celsius.
Savalen’s managing director Per Morten Hektoen had been searching for the perfect materials to bring this project to life, and eventually found them on recommendation from Norwegian wholesalers, Fritzøe Engros AS.
The outer decoration of the building comprises 70 panels of 18mm thickness MEDITE TRYCOYA EXTREME (MTX) and the bracing climate proved to be the perfect opportunity for the revolutionary outdoor MDF panel to showcase its unique capabilities.
The panels were chosen for their moisture resistance, durability and stability and as they can be finished in a variety of different colours and textures, they give the structure that all important, ‘biscuit-beautiful’ finish.
MTX panels are known for their outstanding ability to retain their shape and consistency when faced with wet and temperature-changing conditions, allowing them to be used where previously only materials such as concrete, plastics or metals could be, as well as being quick and easy to install.
It was also important that a wood-based panel be used for this project to set an example and a high standard for environmental product use. MTX is guaranteed to last up to 50 years in external environments, and untreated, it is also recyclable when it comes to the end of its life. It produces less solid waste both during its manufacture and on site.
Executive director Maren Hernes, of carpenters Historiske Mobler, who worked on the MTX panels explained: “It would have taken much longer and would have cost considerably more to manufacture the decorations from other materials. It was also very easy to work with; like regular MDF, but denser and much more durable, making it ideal for our winters.”
This allowed Savalen to very quickly get back creating adventure. “Our goal is to create a real adventure destination here,” said Per Morten Hektoen. “This was our first project with MTX, and it will be surely not the last.”
The finished building is 366 square metres in size and 12 metres high, with three floors including a tower, where a lounge overlooks the picturesque winter scenes below. There are 14 bedrooms and a large social kitchen with seating capacity for 28 people.
Photos courtesy of Per Morten Hekoen and Savalen Hotel and Spa
