Sverre Fehn’s unique “Hommage au Japon”. Modern syncretism in the Villa Schreiner (1959- 63)

Abstract

“Hommage au Japon” is the title chosen by the Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn to publish in 1964 his first single-family house, the Villa Schreiner, which would eventually become an iconic building in his work. After the unique slogan and accompanying description, both succinct, it is possible to find a wide range of connections that converge in the project. The evolution shown in the original plans of the Nasjonalmuseet in Oslo shows that its orientalist origin is not so clear. However, the project does feed on the modernity of the work of Mies van der Rohe or Le Corbusier. Both authors were reference for the Nordic architect. His interests are filtered through the experience he has with Jean Prouvé, and through his links with the PAGON group (Progresive Architects´ Group of Oslo, Norway). All this becomes a work with an eloquent modern syncretism. The project does not look for orientalist aesthetic approaches, but to integrate the immanent, international and local, in a contemporary solution.