Heddal stave church, Norway
Heddal stave church was constructed at the start of the 13th century and is the largest church of its kind in Norway. It is a triple nave stave church made entirely of timber, save for a stone base.
Stave churches are medieval Christian churches prevalent across north-western Europe. They are characterised by the ‘staves’, or thick timber posts, which hold them in place. They adopt the same woodworking techniques as the Viking shipbuilders, using expertly crafted joints and joins rather than nails or glue.
Heddal stave church is built around 12 large and 6 smaller Norwegian pine staves, as well as four carved entrance portals, and an external gallery which circles the building. Inside, there is a ‘Bishop’s Chair’ which dates from the 13th century, as well as wall-mounted ‘rose’ paintings from 1668 and ornate carvings relating pagan myths and Christian parables.
The church suffered considerable damage during the Reformation, but restoration was undertaken from 1849-51. It was at this time that the church bells were removed and placed in the external bell-tower to reduce the load on the timber structure. Another significant restoration project was required in the 1950s.
Throughout most of the year the church is still in use as Heddal’s main parish church.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
Comments