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BÜRO UND VERWALTUNG • OFFICE BUILDINGS TECHNISCHER AUSBAU • TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

Foto: Moritz Groba

Millimetergenaue Vorfertigung und Montage • Millimeter-precise prefabrication and assembly

Foto: Einar Aslaksen

Organische Monochromie in warmem Naturton • Organic monochrome in a warm natural colour Versuchsmodell der Konstruktion • Experimental model of the construction

L ocated in northeast Oslo, we constructed this innovative four-storey office buil- are joined with an X-shaped, two-part dovetail connection made of birch wood,
a technique introduced in Scandinavia with this project. Columns and beams are
ding that spans 3,000 square metres and sets new standards in circular con-
struction. Built on a foundation of CO -reduced concrete, it was completed in just fixed with long, slender dowels made of beech wood. The beams are interrupted
2
nine months. As Norway’s first demountable and reusable wooden office building in in the central axial area of the structure, so that the cross-laminated timber panels
timber construction, it showcases the impressive potential of prefabricated wooden running across them serve as a kind of “secondary structure” to span the 1.6 metre
elements for sustainable architecture. From the early stages of the project, our focus wide installation space in a self-supporting manner. This avoids penetrations in the
was on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using renewable resources and the dis- beams, thus increasing their reusability, while installations can be easily adapted
mantlability and adaptability of components and technologies. This approach ensu- without restricting the diameter. The wooden cladding inside is fastened with woo-
res that materials remain in circulation for as long as possible. The design process den nails to avoid metal residues that could compromise the panels’ reusability. The
was informed by a previous study that revealed how the replacement of steel and building’s design and organization allow for alternative uses and room reconfigura-
concrete with wood can reduce emissions by up to 60 percent. Our concept also cen- tions over time: the columns are arranged in a simple square grid with a centre-to-
tres on the reuse of this environmentally friendly building material. Unclad and bare centre distance of about five metres, enabling easy subdivision of new rooms to meet
wood surfaces create a natural atmosphere. Save the Children, a global organization future requirements. The demountable surfaces, easily accessible technical systems
campaigning for the rights and protection of children, actively participated in develo- and modular wood flooring on support feet also enhance adaptability. For potential
ping the interior solutions. For instance, articles from the United Nations Convention future reuse, we have already developed disassembly instructions that can serve as
on the Rights of the Child are printed on the ends of the seating steps. Students and a guide for renovations or the eventual deconstruction of the building. With regard
integration companies were also involved in designing the reusable furnishings.The to the building services, especially the installation space, we focused on integrating
load-bearing structure made of glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated systems that are both efficient and adaptable. We paid particular attention to the
timber (CLT) was designed to use the largest possible standard formats – some as ventilation and air conditioning technology, organising it in a modular system that
large as 3 by 15 metres –that are minimally processed and perforated, maintaining can be easily maintained, replaced or expanded as required. We emphasised plan-
their value even after disassembly. By using wood-to-wood connections, we reduce ning the installations to support the material cycle and maximise the reusability of
the use of steel and simplify dismantling. CLT elements in the ceilings and walls the installed components. The use of wood-to-wood connections in the building’s

158 • AIT 10.2024