Scandinavian design has been an important movement in architecture, art and furnishings since the early 20th century. At NordHavn, we appreciate the importance of design in culture and our built environment, and we believe Scandinavian inspiration offers more just than adding throws or candles to a design. It provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate Scandinavia’s cultural underpinnings and incorporate them into a human experience. Here we highlight a few of the concepts intentionally incorporated into the NordHavn community
Friluftsliv (FREE-loofts-liv)- A Norwegian concept translating as “free air life” and describing a lifestyle of living in and attending to nature. Friluftsliv is fundamental to Scandinavian life and a major source of wellness and “lykke” or happiness that this culture is famous for. Scandinavians spend much of their free time outdoors. In practice, this can be as simple as opening windows on a nice day and as challenging as climbing a mountain. In friluftsliv, one takes the time to slow down, be present, and appreciate the wonder of nature in all its complexity.
Friluftsliv at NordHavn- We have nestled our cabins into the landscape with minimum impact to the natural setting and designed them to be friluftsliv-ready with expansive glass exposures embedding you in the natural setting, and large deck areas with deep overhanging eaves to facilitate indoor-outdoor living. Throughout the property are relaxation areas at special scenic spots. These natural settings boast native forest plantings, wildflower meadows, mature pine, spruce and oak tree groves, and a valley threaded with a wild brook and cascading waterfalls. It’s not hard to see how friluftsliv is possible with paths and trails crisscrossing the property and leading into the 5,700-acre Camden Hills State Park.
Hygge- The Scandinavian countries each have their own word for it but, unfortunately, English doesn’t. Whether it is the Danish Hygge (HUE-gah), Swedish Mysig (MY-sig), or Norwegian Koselig (KOS-elig), they all have similar meanings that are hard to succinctly capture in English but generally imply a snug, cozy, and contented feeling. They invoke the idea of enjoying the small things in the moment, and spending time with family and friends.
Hygge/mysig/koselig at NordHavn- Our cabins positively exude hygge. From the layouts to the finishes, they are designed to be cozy, warm, and convivial. Living areas clustered around warm fireplaces, kitchens with breakfast bars, dining areas designed for candlelight with room for close friends and family, uncluttered bedrooms for peaceful rest, and baths with wine-book-&-bubbles soaking tubs are but a few of our conscious efforts to embrace hygge.
Lykke (LICK-eh)- Throughout Scandinavia, this word means “luck, happiness, and joy.” The Nordic countries are repeated winners in the UN’s happiest countries index (2023 rankings: 1-Finland, 2-Denmark, 3-Iceland, 6-Sweden, 7-Norway), and lykke is a central philosophy of Nordic life.
Lykke at NordHavn- If we knew how to build happiness, we wouldn’t be building cabins. Well, we probably still would since it makes US happy! We hope that the design and material choices we’ve made at NordHavn will give our residents the best chance of finding their own lykke.
Allemansrätten (all-MANS-retten)- This word common in all Scandinavian languages translates as “everyone’s right.” It means “the freedom to roam” and is a very old common-law precept that includes the public’s right to walk, camp, fish, pick wild mushrooms and berries, and more without the restrictions of public or private boundaries. It also involves responsibility for walking lightly and respecting the land and its residents. This might seem strange to property-conscious Americans, but in Scandinavian culture, this is considered a basic human right and important to their friluftsliv lifestyle.
Allemansrätten at NordHavn- We certainly aren’t going to change American property law or culture, but we have created an environment at NordHavn where you are free to roam. Roam at will along our paths and trails to discover the special places and sights to be enjoyed here. Hike our mountain trail from NordHavn along a winding ridgeline into Camden Hills State Park and connect to many miles of trails laced throughout the coastal mountains of Maine.
Lagom (LAW-gom)- A Swedish/Norwegian word meaning “just enough, but no more” or often “just right,” it characterizes a balance to life that directly contrasts with the idea that “more is better.” Lagom is built into Scandinavian ideas of community and personal responsibility and has come to be strongly identified with sustainability and anti-consumerism.
Lagom at NordHavn- The NordHavn cabins are modest in size to minimize the impact to the site. This is balanced by the many shared amenities like social areas with fire pits, spa areas with saunas and hot tubs, and trails and scenic relaxation spots throughout the property. In this way we create a community that is “just right” (and maybe a bit more ;-)).
Following the lead of pioneering interior designer Goldilocks who was always in pursuit of “just right,” our interior designer Jessie Tobias has curated a furniture package imbued with hygge while remaining completely lagom. Through Jessie’s Nordic style, you will step into a turn-key Scandinavian lifestyle on day one, leaving plenty of time to work on your lykke.
