Powerhouse, where Hydro is one of the partners, is creating the first office building in Norway that produces more energy than it uses. The result, unveiled now in the first sketches, is a completely new architectural concept for what will be the world's northernmost energy-positive building. Buildings account for 40 percent of the world's energy consumption.
Energy-positive construction is therefore an important part of the solution to global warming.
"This is a complex and challenging task that requires holistic approaches and thinking. We have designed a unique building shaped by its surroundings. The architectural and aesthetic expression is driven by the sun as an energy source and the mantra 'form follows environment'," says senior partner in Snøhetta, Kjetil Thorsen Trædal.
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| Source: Powerhouse |
Together with the property management firm Entra Eiendom, the aluminium company Hydro, the construction company Skanska and the environmental organization Zero, the architectural firm Snøhetta has worked out the concept. The building is planned on a site at Brattørkaia being developed by Entra Eiendom, Koteng Holding and Utstillingsplassen Eiendom.
"Through the development of the project we have shown that it is realistic to put up an energy-positive building in Trondheim, Norway's 'technology city'. Now we will be looking for motivated and environment-conscious customers who want to be tenants in this ground breaking project," says CEO Kyrre Olaf Johansen in Entra Eiendom.
Using renewable energy
Solar cells, heat exchangers and heat pumps will help to produce electricity and heat for the building. Sea water contributes to both heating and cooling.
The building rises from the fjord toward the north and is lower toward the city in the south. The south-facing sloping roof provides optimal conditions for solar energy production. The placement of the solar cells and windows in the façade takes compass direction and sunshine intensity into account to ensure optimal daylight conditions for the building's tenants with minimal energy consumption. Where the sunshine is strongest, the window openings are reduced to minimize solar heating of the building, while the dense construction of the façade maximizes use of solar energy.
Good indoor air quality
The technical systems in the building ensure low energy consumption without compromising indoor air quality. Daylight sensors and motion detectors will ensure proper illumination without unnecessary energy waste while thermostats and CO2 sensors will contribute to a stable indoor climate under all weather conditions. The building will utilize natural ventilation when outdoor temperature and wind conditions make it possible.
Energy efficient
In addition to producing energy, it is essential that the building is as energy efficient as possible. The technical systems are designed for optimal interaction under all climatic conditions. This means that it requires minimal energy to heat up and operate the building. Compared with a normal office building of similar size, the annual energy saving will be approximately three million kWh, equivalent to the energy consumption of over 100 houses.
The planned size of the building is approximately 16,000 square meters spread over four to 12 stories, with space for approximately 750 workplaces. A major upgrade of the waterfront and other outdoor areas is planned, making the whole area attractive for everyone living in Trondheim. At street level in the building itself, plans include cafés and cultural and retail activities. Construction is expected to start in 2013. Efforts to attract tenants to the building are now in full swing.
Powerhouse at Brattørkaia
- Brattørkaia is located by the sea in downtown Trondheim and is the planned site of Norway's first energy-positive office building.
- Excess energy produced during the building's operational lifetime will exceed the energy used to create the building.
- The building's estimated energy needs are only 21 kWh/m2/year and estimated energy production is 49 kWh/m2/år. Bound energy is estimated at 22 kWh/m2 per year.
- The building will have a 26 degree sloped south-facing roof to best utilize solar energy.
- Seawater will contribute to cooling and heating of the building as needed.
- The goal is to achieve the environmental classification "Outstanding" according to BREEAM NOR.
About Powerhouse
- Powerhouse includes the property management firm Entra, the construction company Skanska, the architectural firm Snøhetta, the environmental organization ZERO and Hydro.
- A "Powerhouse" will generate more energy during its operational lifetime than what was used for the production of building materials, transport, erection, operation and disposal of the building.
- The building's total environmental impact will be assessed using a life cycle perspective. The building's expected lifespan is 60 years.
