Langhus in the Forest
Master course
Sustainable Small Town Development
Supervisors:
Jørgen Tandberg & Andreas Kalstveit
Langhus in the Forest is a new approach to urban development in the southeast of Oslo, in the last unbuilt area of Gjersrud-Stensrud. The project proposes neighborhoods structured with lamellas that let the forest and lake permeate the urban fabric, creating a balance of nature and density. Transport is solved through an integrated autonomous vehicle system, replacing the need for costly metro expansion. Built in timber and inspired by the traditional Norwegian langhus, the structures combine housing with shared functions such as workplaces, cafés, mobility hubs, and community spaces—shaping a sustainable and adaptable new part of the city.
A vast land for housing left on hold
In the very south-east, within the borders of Oslo municipality, we find the area of Gjersrud-Stensrud – one of the last unbuilt areas in the city, not protected by the marka-grensen. Plans for developing the area have existed since the 1960s, and multiple proposals have been made by different actors. The latest plans were made during the 2010s and were actually approved by Oslo City Council. Yet, in 2022, not much has happened – how come?
A precondition for building out an area of this size has always been an extension of the metro. Without the metro, increased traffic from the area would overload the road system, as well as increase emissions of greenhouse gases – a no-go for a city with ambitious climate goals. An expansion of the metro, however, would be such a considerable expense at this point in time that it is considered very unrealistic. Even the ongoing development of the Fornebu metro line, west of Oslo, has not secured funding.
The rise of autonomous vehicles is ahead of us and could very well be the solution to the transport problem for the Gjersrud-Stensrud area. An AV system could be implemented into the urban planning from day one, creating a whole new area with unique qualities for its inhabitants.
The urban strategy
From the strategic map follows this – a map bridging the gap between a holistic strategy for the entire Gjersrud-Stensrud area and the more detailed plans in axonometry and situation plan. Here we see how main lines for AV transport may be executed, as well as main lines of shared, slower-speed roads for autonomous vehicles and pods, micromobility, and pedestrians alike.
We can also see the emergence of neighborhoods in this map, with the eastern area north of the Stensrudtjern lake being planned with a lamella structure, enabling green areas and shared roads to penetrate the urban fabric.
Zooming further into this neighborhood, we see the lamella structures more up close: a rigid yet adaptive planning of urban qualities within the forest. Sunlight for all inhabitants is maximized with long, south-facing facades. The forest is allowed to expand and grow into the urban structure, creating a unique quality of living where urban and natural elements coexist.
Towards the water, the structure dissolves, opening up large public areas around the lake.
The AV system’s drop-on/off point is never more than a 1–2 minute walk away, located at the short end of the long houses. This enables the suburban feeling of simply walking to your car in the driveway, while at the same time minimizing the space occupied by roads, parking, and pavement. Here, the forest and the lake play the leading role.
Construction
The structure is based on timber. Glulam timber elements and massive wood, combined with the traditional Norwegian building techniques of wooden frame houses, create a structure reminiscent of a traditional Norwegian home but at an urban scale.
All residents are provided with a terrace or balcony. The roof and balcony structures are separate from the main building structure.
Like the traditional Norwegian langhus (longhouse) – an ancient typology – these houses can accommodate multiple functions under the same roof. Not only housing, but also AV delivery storage, micromobility parking, shared home offices enabling remote work, as well as cafés and other types of public spaces.
In conclusion
Langhus in the Forest demonstrates how Oslo can expand sustainably while preserving its natural landscape. By integrating autonomous mobility, timber-based construction, and the traditional langhus typology, the project creates a resilient model for future urban growth. It shows that new neighborhoods can offer both density and closeness to nature, combining housing, work, and community life in a way that strengthens Oslo’s identity as a green and forward-looking city.