Viking Magazine - April 2016 - 26

VENNESLA LIBRARY & CULTURAL CENTER
PULPIT ROCK MOUNTAIN LODGE
Prioritizing the Environment
" Norway has a great and strong natural
environment with a harsh climate
that makes us constantly take into
consideration the local climatic context to
find good solutions, " says Stangeland.
" This makes us well equipped to find
sustainable answers. In addition, we
have had an economy in recent decades
that has made it possible to invest in
new sustainable architecture. This is
also a reason why we now have a whole
generation of talented architects. "
When it comes to design, Norwegian
architecture firm Helen & Hard believes
in creating spaces that appeal to all the
senses, with an emphasis on saving
energy and providing multifunctionality.
The c0mpany loves to build with wood,
which is in abundance in Norway, in
addition to being both environmentally
friendly and beautiful.
" Our philosophy is that our architecture
inspires more sustainable life, "
Stangeland says. " Sustainable design is
design that provides both beautiful and
meaningful experiences in the face of the
surroundings. Meaningful architecture
occurs in a dialogue and exchange
between places and people. "
The company designed Pulpit Rock
Mountain Lodge, situated at the trailhead
on a cliff over Lysefjord for hikers heading
to the Pulpit Rock. The timber heritage
of the region informed the traditional log
construction, and its profile complements
the surrounding environment with its
undulating landscape and dramatic peaks.
Helen & Hard is also famous for making
architecture that forms social meeting
places and caring communities. Vennesla
26 VIKING APRIL 2016 sonsofnorway.com
Library & Cultural Center is hailed as one
of the world's most beautiful libraries. It's
built with an organically shaped wooden
structure and is the winner of many
architectural awards. " The beautiful and
inspiring occurs when design, form and
construction work together as a whole, "
says Stangeland. With a café and multiple
meeting places, the library is a social hub
for the entire community.
Daring Designs
Upon completion in 2012, Statoil
headquarters just outside of Oslo was
quickly lauded one of the most impressive
office buildings in the world. The design
reflects architecture firm A-lab's daring
and pioneering attitude. The building is
comprised of five aluminum-clad blocks
stacked horizontally and crisscrossed,
which makes it seem like it's floating
on air.
" The design is rooted in the democratic
principle of bestowing all users of the
building with excellent working conditions
that include stunning views and good light
conditions, " says Odd Klev, A-lab partner
STATOIL
HEADQUARTERS
PULPIT ROCK MOUNTAIN LODGE
and architect, who was also the partner in
charge of the Statoil headquarters project.
The building design draws on the oil
industry's own construction forms and
techniques. The steel superstructure
enables the different modules to cantilever
up to 30 meters. Escape stairs and tech
infrastructure are concentrated in four
giant concrete cores, which also stabilize
the superstructure. The climatized
plaza, featuring exposed stairs and a lift
tower, serves as the social center where
everyone mingles. The façade consists of
about 1,600 prefabricated elements with
integrated windows, insulation and solarshading,
a highly energy-efficient solution
with no visible fixings in the entire façade.
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BY: EMILE ASHLEY, DAVID BORLAND / CORBIS, JIRI HAVRAN, COURTESY OF A-LAB

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Viking Magazine - April 2016

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