sammenbygget

Sammenbygget is a Norwegian adjective meaning built together or joined. It describes structures that are physically connected, typically sharing walls or forming a single continuous block rather than standing as separate, detached buildings.

In architecture and urban planning, sammenbygget is commonly used to refer to buildings that form a cohesive row or complex. The term is often applied to terraced or townhouse-style housing (rekkehus), where multiple housing units are linked along one or more sides. It can also describe commercial or institutional blocks that are structurally integrated to create a single mass with shared access, services or circulation.

The use of the term emphasizes the physical connection rather than separate ownership or independent structures. This can influence design considerations such as fire safety, insulation, acoustics, shared facades, and common areas. Compared with frittliggende (detached) buildings, sammenbygget developments typically make more efficient use of land and infrastructure but may raise privacy or noise concerns for residents.

Etymologically, sammenbygget is formed from sam- meaning together and byget or bygget meaning built, reflecting the idea of multiple units constructed as one. While the term is standard in Norwegian, in other contexts people may use rekkehus, kjedebygg, or sammenbygd in more specific descriptions of connected architecture.

See also: rekkehytte, rekkehus, kjedebygg, bygningsmasse.