Knut Hjeltnes has over the last three decades explored a distinct personal architectural vocabulary that has matured and become increasingly rich with each new task. The two houses presented in this book are situated differently; one on a precarious, small islet on the Norwegian west coast, visible from all sides, and with magnificent views; the other is a hidden plot in a quiet suburban, residential area. The two small buildings unveil different aspects of Knut Hjeltnes' work.

In his essay, the Italian architect and writer Nicola Flora describes his journeys to the exposed "shell on the rock" and the house in an almost introverted Oslo neighbourhood, and thorougly explains the sensual and site-specific quailities of Hjeltnes' architecture. He argues that the asBUILT series' approach to presenting architecture has certain limitations: There can be no true knowledge of architecture without the active and simultaneous participation of the senses in the presence of the accomplished work. Drawings are essential, yet the direct experience is much stronger."

Dr. Nicola Flora (1961), is associate professor in Interior Architecture at DiARC in Naples, Italy, Federico II University. He has published several articles and books on modern Scandinavian architects, among others Sigurd Lewerentz, Sverre Fehn, Arne Korsmo and Knut Knutsen. He is editor of the international architecture magazine AREA since 1998.