Skur 38

Reuse and circular economy are central to the innovative rehabilitation of Shed 38, where the historically significant harbor warehouse from 1915 is being given new life as the modern headquarters for the Port of Oslo.

By reusing building elements, Skur38 has saved significant amounts of construction materials and reduced carbon emissions. Preserving existing building stock is a key starting point, and many of the “new” materials in the building are reused from other parts of the structure or from other demolished buildings.

Shed 38 has now achieved BREEAM Excellent certification. Facades have been upgraded to energy class B using innovative and highly insulating plaster, which, along with historically inspired color schemes, provides unity to the building along the Vippetangen waterfront. Thus, Skur 38 serves as a model project in the Futurebuilt program for urban development, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Historical traces and details have been highlighted and combined with tomorrow’s technology. The project is driven by strong collaboration and high expertise at all levels, led by the Port of Oslo’s ambitions for holistic development of the harbor area, where sustainability and history go hand in hand.

Film is made by Oslo Havn – Watch the short film here

Circularity down to the smallest detail

The old concrete facades are now clad in highly insulating lime plaster, with a green surface that connects Skur 38 with the surroundings along the quay. A new floor in the main level is cast with a clay-based cement type with a drastic CO² reduction. Historical traces in beautiful concrete details in the interior are sandblasted and exposed. Reused doors and demountable modular walls provide flexibility and increased lifespan to the materials according to circular principles. And the old mahogany details from the harbor director’s former offices have found new life in a slatted wall in the cafeteria.

Preserves the port’s history

Shed 38 tells a rich story about the port and urban development along Akershusstranda in Oslo. The warehouse was built in 1915 as Norway’s first reinforced concrete building and warehouse for the Amerikalinjen. It was expanded to also accommodate a passenger terminal for Amerikalinjen in 1950 before being converted into office space in 1985. Now, a new chapter is being written in Oslo Port’s history. Oslo Port’s main office and the port director’s office are getting a new and expanded program, with a social and outward-facing ground floor and new outdoor areas as part of the port development.