Type:
Rehabilitation of commercial and office buildings from the 1960s.
Year:
2022
Status:
Ongoing
Location:
Oslo, Norway
Contact persons:
Joachim Midjo Andersen
Client:
Norsk Arbeidsmandsforbund
The commercial building at Grubbegata 4-6 is located right in the heart of Oslo city center, between Stortorvet and the new Government Quarter. The project explores how urban development and urban repair can go hand in hand with responsible resource management and reduced carbon emissions.
The building was constructed in 1966 and currently has a lifespan of only 57 years. While the structural framework is in good condition, the energy efficiency, floor plans, and daylight conditions are outdated compared to modern market expectations. Additionally, the brutalist facade bands have been criticized since the building was completed.
The most significant climate contribution is achieved by reusing, upgrading, and adding onto existing structures rather than demolishing and building anew. We aim to preserve as much of the existing building stock as possible while adding new space on plan 5-10 and significantly improving energy efficiency with a new climate shell. Tenants are encouraged to reuse existing floor plans and technology as much as possible to reduce material usage and waste.
New and site-adapted facades will enrich the surroundings. The concept involves dividing the facades into two by introducing an “intermediate building” between the Inn and the main volume. This approach adds variation to the street fronts and reduces the scale in public spaces. It also has a historical dimension, as the current property consisted of two separate buildings until the 1960s.
Together with the client, we have explored opportunities to further develop the building stock and transform the building from being outdated to future-proof. Through open and close dialogue, we have been able to work systematically on realistic solutions and effectively manage the complexity and risks associated with renovation projects. The project has now received building permits and is expected to be completed in 2025.
