Three homes side-by-side create an iconic summer scene in Norway
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Not just a nice photo, looking closer reveals a lot about Norway.
From the colorful homes, and the turf-lined roof, to the wind turbines in the background. Doing a bit of research ahead of visiting, I found this composition to be an iconic photo in Sommarøy, going a bit further I also learned so much more about Norway’s history and economy.
The color of the homes suggests financial status in the past.
Painting using rarer materials suggested greater status. The tiers went red, yellow, and white; white being reserved for the wealthiest that could afford the zinc needed to create the pigment.
The sod roof was considered practical and the benefits were recognized hundreds of years ago in Scandanavia.
Moist air brought in from the North Atlantic current results in one of Europe’s wettest zones. On a visit to the Skansen Open Air Museum in Stockholm, many examples of sod roofs from the 18th and 19th centuries are shown. Today, green roofs are becoming increasingly popular with building manufacturers for their capability to manage wet seasons, attract pollinators, and insulate efficiently.
Wind turbines on the distant mountain range power 50,000 homes in Norway.
In the frame are just a few of the 67 turbines that make up Nordlys Vind (Northern Lights in Norwegian), Norway’s newest wind farm. Opened in 2019, the wind farm boasts massive turbines, with the rotors measuring over 400 feet in diameter, longer than a football field.
It’s no coincidence this photo feels clean and gorgeous, Norway seamlessly celebrates its heritage while also embracing future technology to ensure the outdoors is protected for future generations. Of course, Norway has advantages many countries do not, but there are still many other countries that can learn from their approach to embracing nature.
