Rever & Drage expands traditional red-painted house in Norway

Architecture studio Rever & Drage has extended a traditional red-painted house in Raelingen, Norway, introducing two new volumes connected by green spaces.

Called Chr Tomters Veg, the extension was created for a growing family who wanted to maintain the character of their existing home while adding spaces tailored to modern living.

Three red pitched structures in a row — Rever & Drage has expanded a traditional red house in Norway

Rever & Drage explained that the long, sloping site—situated between two roads—shaped their decision to create two separate extensions.

One extension is placed to the north of the original house, while the other is located to the south, forming three red volumes seamlessly linked by landscaped green areas.

Extension with red latticework facade — The studio added two new volumes finished with a palette of red-toned materials

To complement the original building, the new extensions feature an exterior palette of red-toned materials, including painted timber cladding, brick, tile, and steel. The facades are detailed with latticework that supports climbing plants.

“Latticework introduces a subtle texture to the facade and offers support for climbing plants, which softens the exterior, introduces seasonal variety, and visually connects the outdoor green spaces between the three structures,” co-founder Tom Auger told Dezeen.

Person sitting in window seat — A timber-lined study is housed in the northern extension

A paved courtyard leads to the three-storey northern extension, which is also accessible through an underground passage lit by a skylight.

This northern volume includes a garage on the partially below-ground level, a self-contained apartment on the floor above, and a timber-lined study beneath a pitched roof at the top. The study features an apex window with a built-in seat, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

Winter garden overlooking forest — A winter garden connects the original house and the southern extension

The two-storey southern extension is accessed via an interior winter garden, which features a fireplace and a comfortable living space.

Generous west-facing windows in this area provide visual connections to the surrounding greenery and are designed to capture the afternoon sunlight, naturally warming the space in winter through passive solar gain.

“We introduced two green intermediary spaces—an outdoor courtyard and an indoor winter garden—between the new extensions and the original house,” Auger said. “These spaces bring in natural light, plants, and a sense of changing seasons to daily life.”

“The interplay between the red buildings and the surrounding greenery evokes classic Nordic imagery: the red house in the forest, the cultivated meeting the wild, the domestic blending with the natural,” he added.

Timber wall with integrated fireplace and doors — The studio added a solid oak-clad wall with a fireplace

A solid oak-clad wall, described by the studio as “a substantial element you pass through,” leads to a bedroom, bathroom, home office, and a snug in the southern extension.

The interior palette features oak, light ash, brick, and exposed concrete, complemented by painted surfaces and patterned wallpapers.

“Our goal was to create a warm, tactile, and timeless atmosphere,” said Auger. “A key challenge was blending classical details with a more contemporary aesthetic.”