The office building will be located in the Norwegian town of Porsgrunn. Upon completion in early 2019, it will be the first new office building in Norway which produces more energy than it consumes and also the world’s northernmost energy-positive office building.
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. The building is unique and shaped by its surrounding conditions.
“When we optimised the building to harvest solar energy, the result was the characteristic diamond shape”, explains Eriksrød. Solar energy harvesting is the main design driver for the project. Solar cells, heat exchangers and heat pumps will produce electricity and heat for the building.
Powerhouse Telemark is a part of the Powerhouse-collaboration dedicated to building energy positive buildings. The collaboration consists of Entra Eiendom, Skanska, Snøhetta, the environmental NGO ZERO, the aluminium profile company Sapa og the consulting firm Asplan Viak.
Powerhouse Telemark is a flexible 11-story building at just over 6,500 square meters and a construction cost of about 17 million USD. Tenants will besides modern office facilities, foyer, gym and canteen have access to a unique viewpoint. The roof terrace on the top floor will be completely open on all sides, just surrounded by green climbing plants. Source and images Courtesy of Snøhetta.