ART
Norway's Next Generation Environmental Architecture
Climate conscious or "green" architecture has been around for some time now. However, renowned Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta went far beyond we could imagine.
30 July, 2018
It claims to be producing buildings that generate more energy than they consume throughout their whole lifecycle. This would not be possible without using efficient building materials such as aluminium, applying smart technologies and scrupulous planning of construction and demolition activities.
The concept, more specifically defined as the Powerhouse standard, has been conceived as collaboration between Snøhetta and four partners: the property company Entra, the entrepreneur Skanska, the environmental organization ZERO, and the consulting company Asplan Viak. The group estimates that as much as 40% of global energy consumption can be attributed to buildings.
One of the best examples of their work is Powerhouse Telempark. This is an office building that is under construction now and is to be completed in February 2019. It will be located in in the Norwegian town of Porsgrunn and, according to the plan, will produce more energy than it consumes.
One of the best examples of their work is Powerhouse Telempark. This is an office building that is under construction now and is to be completed in February 2019. It will be located in in the Norwegian town of Porsgrunn and, according to the plan, will produce more energy than it consumes.
Image: ArchDaily
The building is going to have a "diamond-shaped" structure in order to maximize its ability to function as a collector of solar energy via a large area of photovoltaic panels on the south-facing angled roof. Solar cells, heat exchangers and heat pumps will also produce electricity and heat for the building.
Powerhouse Telemark will produce approximately 239,000 kWh annually from its own solar cell plant, and is thus a small power plant delivering surplus energy back to the grid. It will manage to reduce energy consumption by 66% compared to other new buildings of the same type.
"I hope we will be plagiarized and copied, replicated in all seven continents. This building should do wonders in lowering the bar for daring to do both spectacular and environmentally forward buildings, hopefully in a combination," Norwegian real-estate developer Emil Eriksrød of R8 Property told Dezeen.
The Powerhouse definition requires that is produces more clean and renewable energy than needed for construction, production and transportation of building materials and operation over a life cycle of 60 years and, if so, disposal.
Powerhouse Telemark will produce approximately 239,000 kWh annually from its own solar cell plant, and is thus a small power plant delivering surplus energy back to the grid. It will manage to reduce energy consumption by 66% compared to other new buildings of the same type.
"I hope we will be plagiarized and copied, replicated in all seven continents. This building should do wonders in lowering the bar for daring to do both spectacular and environmentally forward buildings, hopefully in a combination," Norwegian real-estate developer Emil Eriksrød of R8 Property told Dezeen.
The Powerhouse definition requires that is produces more clean and renewable energy than needed for construction, production and transportation of building materials and operation over a life cycle of 60 years and, if so, disposal.
Image: Snøhetta
As already mentioned, Powerhouse used aluminium in construction of its innovative building. There were several aluminium companies among collaborators of the project. While it is widely known that aluminium production is highly energy intensive, the market is moving towards energy and climate-efficient aluminium production technology. The Powerhouse Telemark will hopefully be a chance to demonstrate that even using aluminium in construction can result in a net positive result.
"Powerhouse Telemark designed by the Powerhouse collaboration will become a landmark. The combination of extreme energy performance and a favorable indoor climate, low environmental impact and robust solutions at commercial terms requires a different approach than in most traditional building projects. Buildings that produce the same or a greater amount of energy than they consume could be an important contribution to reducing global energy consumption – and consequently also greenhouse gas emissions", says Kim Robert Lisø, Chief Innovation Officer at Skanska and Managing Director of the Powerhouse collaboration.
"Powerhouse Telemark designed by the Powerhouse collaboration will become a landmark. The combination of extreme energy performance and a favorable indoor climate, low environmental impact and robust solutions at commercial terms requires a different approach than in most traditional building projects. Buildings that produce the same or a greater amount of energy than they consume could be an important contribution to reducing global energy consumption – and consequently also greenhouse gas emissions", says Kim Robert Lisø, Chief Innovation Officer at Skanska and Managing Director of the Powerhouse collaboration.
Powerhouse Telemark is a flexible 11-story building over 6,500 square meters and a construction cost of about 17 million USD. Tenants will get access to modern office facilities, foyer, gym and canteen with a unique viewpoint. The roof terrace on the top floor will be completely open on all sides, just surrounded by green climbing plants. The project also features charging stations for electric cars and a bicycle garage.