New images released of the New Vardheim Health Centre in Randaberg, on the West coast of Norway. Designed by Bergen-based 3RW arkitekter and Copenhagen-based NORD architects, the project is is inspired by the old type of Norwegian vernacular building typology called grend, where a small cluster of houses creates a micro community.
3RW Architects from Bergen and NORD Architects from Copenhagen won the competition in 2013 for a new healthcare centre in Randaberg, Norway, which is designed to be like a modern Norwegian hamlet.
New images of the project have just been released as the building’s groundbreaking has begun. This is the first of four construction phases, which is set to be completed by 2019.
The centre will accomodate various healthcare programs and, with its green courtyards, create a green walking path between the town and the facing mountain. With the existing buildings on site, the centre will constitute a unique architectural interaction and an innovative concept for contemporary institutional buildings.
The vision for the project is to create a new typology that will organize one of the most important welfare tasks in society and cover all aspects of the healthcare terminology. The idea of a hamlet where the well-being of home and treatment accommodations of a big institution are mixed, will inspire future institutions.
The new healthcare facility offers a broad range of different treatments under one roof — from nursing homes to doctors’ consultations and therapy. The building measures 5500 m2 but seems much smaller thanks to a design where the building is scaled down into smaller entities. Each unit is built with natural materials and offers a homely atmosphere.
A solid base in natural stone connects the houses like the stone fence in the local west coast landscape. The rest of the materials are almost exclusively built in wood. Between the houses, a myriad of courtyards, recreational gardens and greenhouses define a green and welcoming atmosphere. Source by 3RW arkitekter and NORD architects.
- Location: Randaberg, Rogaland, Norway
- Architect: 3RW arkitekter and NORD architects
- Collaborators: Økolog Christian E. Mong
- Client: Randaberg Kommune
- Status: ongoing Phase 1
- Size: 5500 m2
- Period: 2017-2019
- Images: Cortesy of 3RW arkitekter and NORD architects
