“My work is famous for the use of paper, which I use to make utopian and idealistic sculptures. All three building structures follow the logic of paper.” – Thomas Demand
The Triple Folly is a striking interdisciplinary work that challenges conventional boundaries between architecture, art, and design. Nestled on a hillock overlooking the sea, the project is an architectural meditation on form, function, and sensory experience. The structure comprises a trio of sculptural volumes, each a reference to everyday objects—a sheet of legal paper, a paper plate, and an American soda jerk's hat—elements that may appear simple yet come together to create a Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art.
The architecture, designed by Torbjørn Anderssen and Espen Voll, boldly reinterprets the traditional concept of a folly—historically a whimsical, decorative building without utilitarian function. However, The Triple Folly is far more than a decorative object. It serves as a sensory experience, encouraging visitors to interact with the space in new and intriguing ways. By blending multiple disciplines and sensibilities, it invites people to explore their surroundings from a fresh perspective, creating a dialogue between the viewer, the natural environment, and the built form.
The project’s three volumes, while seemingly foreign, are deeply interconnected. Each structure evokes a different narrative, and their forms make direct references to the everyday materials of paper and fibreglass, both integral to the project's materiality. The use of fibreglass in the construction of the building’s exterior serves not only a practical purpose—its lightness and strength—but also aligns with the project’s over arching exploration of industrial materials as artistic mediums. Fibreglass allows for the sharp, clean lines and sculptural forms that are crucial to the architectural expression of The Triple Folly, giving the work a modern aesthetic while still maintaining a connection to traditional craft.
Equally significant is the color palette chosen for the interiors, which refers back to the early days of Kvadrat, the Danish textile company that provided the fabrics for the space. The hues chosen reflect the original color ranges when Kvadrat was founded, embracing deep, rich tones that ground the project in its history while also allowing it to resonate with a contemporary sensibility. The interior’s soft textiles juxtapose the hard-edged exterior, offering visitors a tactile contrast to the otherwise sculptural forms of the building.
The role of paper in the project is essential. Not only is it referenced directly through the form of the buildings—shaped like folded or crumpled sheets—but paper as a medium is essential to the philosophical underpinning of TheTriple Folly. It emphasizes the transitory nature of architecture and design, highlighting the fragility of the objects we create and consume. By using paper, the architects comment on the impermanence of form, challenging our perceptions of what buildings should be.
Ultimately, The Triple Folly instills a sense of intrigue and curiosity, encouraging visitors to step outside the familiar and engage with the world ina new light. It’s a space that blurs the lines between disciplines, inviting exploration and reflection. Through its sculptural forms, playful use of materials, and color palette, The Triple Folly stands as a testament to the power of architecture as an artistic medium, seamlessly weaving together multiple elements to create a space that is both thought-provoking and immersive.
The Triple Folly is a striking interdisciplinary work that challenges conventional boundaries between architecture, art, and design. Nestled on a hillock overlooking the sea, the project is an architectural meditation on form, function, and sensory experience. The structure comprises a trio of sculptural volumes, each a reference to everyday objects—a sheet of legal paper, a paper plate, and an American soda jerk's hat—elements that may appear simple yet come together to create a Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art.
The architecture, designed by Torbjørn Anderssen and Espen Voll, boldly reinterprets the traditional concept of a folly—historically a whimsical, decorative building without utilitarian function. However, The Triple Folly is far more than a decorative object. It serves as a sensory experience, encouraging visitors to interact with the space in new and intriguing ways. By blending multiple disciplines and sensibilities, it invites people to explore their surroundings from a fresh perspective, creating a dialogue between the viewer, the natural environment, and the built form.
The project’s three volumes, while seemingly foreign, are deeply interconnected. Each structure evokes a different narrative, and their forms make direct references to the everyday materials of paper and fibreglass, both integral to the project's materiality. The use of fibreglass in the construction of the building’s exterior serves not only a practical purpose—its lightness and strength—but also aligns with the project’s over arching exploration of industrial materials as artistic mediums. Fibreglass allows for the sharp, clean lines and sculptural forms that are crucial to the architectural expression of The Triple Folly, giving the work a modern aesthetic while still maintaining a connection to traditional craft.
Equally significant is the color palette chosen for the interiors, which refers back to the early days of Kvadrat, the Danish textile company that provided the fabrics for the space. The hues chosen reflect the original color ranges when Kvadrat was founded, embracing deep, rich tones that ground the project in its history while also allowing it to resonate with a contemporary sensibility. The interior’s soft textiles juxtapose the hard-edged exterior, offering visitors a tactile contrast to the otherwise sculptural forms of the building.
The role of paper in the project is essential. Not only is it referenced directly through the form of the buildings—shaped like folded or crumpled sheets—but paper as a medium is essential to the philosophical underpinning of TheTriple Folly. It emphasizes the transitory nature of architecture and design, highlighting the fragility of the objects we create and consume. By using paper, the architects comment on the impermanence of form, challenging our perceptions of what buildings should be.
Ultimately, The Triple Folly instills a sense of intrigue and curiosity, encouraging visitors to step outside the familiar and engage with the world ina new light. It’s a space that blurs the lines between disciplines, inviting exploration and reflection. Through its sculptural forms, playful use of materials, and color palette, The Triple Folly stands as a testament to the power of architecture as an artistic medium, seamlessly weaving together multiple elements to create a space that is both thought-provoking and immersive.
