MAD Arkitekter have planned a new district in Martineåsen, Norway, that is aimed at celebrating the beautiful landscape of the area while offering the qualities of a small-town community.

Martineåsen Nature Town has been designed in partnership with Larvik Municipality, in which Martineåsen is situated.

MAD sought to avoid what it saw as the typical suburban development of Norwegian city outskirts, with the extensive land-use, need for car ownership, infrastructure requirements and uninspiring environments.

At Martineåsen, it first identified a site with forest surroundings and in close proximity to streams, wetlands, meadows and local farmland.

The layout draws inspiration from hill town, forest cluster and eco-village typologies, with each plot having its own identity.

Houses are arranged around an open court, with an urban landscape of interconnecting streets as well as a variety of semi-private courtyards and community spaces.

Plot sizes are moderated to ensure small and private developers have a chance to build, thereby also encouraging diverse architecture.

Lasse Lyhne-Hansen of MAD Arkitekter told CLAD: "Local shops and amenities are in walking distance and have enough features to make an inclusive conurbation, where the town is both exciting to live in and inviting for residents of neighbouring towns."