Čoarvemátta - Sámi Theater, High School and Reindeer Herding School

The building unites the Sámi Theater, High school and Reindeer Herding school. Located in Kautokeino on the vast Finnmarksvidda plateau, the 7200 m² layout responds to the open tundra with low and sloping volumes. The building is shaped like a branching structure, with a main entrance and vestibule at its center—a gathering place for both the school and theater users. From here, the building extends in three different directions. Built using timber and natural materials, the design reflects Sámi building customs and landscape rhythms, fostering cultural continuity and environmental harmony.

Čoarvemátta was conceived to address the need for a unified space that supports Sámi education, culture, and identity in Kautokeino. The name comes from the Sámi words for horn and root, referring to the innermost and strongest part of the reindeer antler—the coronet, symbolizing the union of elements. The challenge lay in integrating the Beaivváš Sámi Theatre and the Sámi High School and Reindeer Herding School into a cohesive architectural expression that respects the vast, open landscape of Finnmarksvidda. The strategy focused on creating a low, branching structure with central shared spaces, mirroring the horizontality but avoiding imposing forms. Rooted in Sámi building customs and seasonal rhythms, the design fosters storytelling, learning, and community gathering. It responds to the cultural and environmental context by blending traditional knowledge with contemporary spatial needs, ensuring the building serves as both a cultural beacon and a practical hub for everyday life.

Čoarvemátta is built primarily from locally sourced timber, reducing environmental impact. The structure uses prefabricated wooden elements for efficient assembly and minimal waste. The building is 90% self-sufficient in energy to heating and cooling from wells and heat pumps thanks to 40 geowells drilled about 250 meters into the ground. Throughout the construction site, the soil that had to be removed has been preserved. The topsoil has been stored separately and later returned to all surfaces surrounding the building, ensuring that the seed banks remain intact. The material palette—wood, stone, and natural finishes—supports durability and cultural resonance. Sustainable choices extend to lifecycle considerations, with modular systems simplifying maintenance and repair, and durable materials suited to harsh northern conditions. The Alta slate on the theatre's gable wall has been reused from the village's old primary school, which has been demolished.