medieval norwegian
A medieval Norwegian vernacular style with timber framing, steep roofs, layered masses, and carved wooden ornament.
Pictured: Lom stavkirke
Medieval Norwegian architecture is a vernacular style typified by the stave churches of Norway and surrounding countries. It typically features strong wooden post-and-beam construction with steeply pitched roofs, multiple setbacks, nested building masses, and carved wooden ornament.
Timber posts and beams provide a strongly articulated construction beneath the steep roof forms. Setbacks and nested masses can create several successive roof levels.
The carved timber and layered roof composition distinguish this vernacular from styles defined by massive masonry. Its association with stave churches does not make every wooden church an example of the style.
