Vertikal Nydalen | Snøhetta

Vertikal Nydalen, has restaurants at street level, offices on the following five floors, and apartments on top.

To maintain certain sightlines and gain a lighter impression, the building is divided into two volumes of different heights, where only one part exploits the plot's maximum potential of 18 stories. Various pockets and passageways are created for the public on the ground floor around the building. At the same time, the design ensures good sunlight conditions and minimal wind in the new plaza.

'Triple-zero solution'
As a 'triple zero solution' building, no energy is purchased for heating, cooling, or ventilation. This is achieved using geothermal wells, PV panels, a low-exergy system for heating and cooling, and natural ventilation. The project has more than 50 percent overall reduction of CO2 emissions from materials, transport, and energy compared to a reference project.

Water from geo-wells in the ground circulates in the clay walls and concrete slabs when heating or cooling is needed. The heat absorbed into the concrete walls during the day is released at night and contributes to stable temperatures in the building. The PV panels on the roof power the heat pump that controls the heating and cooling system.

– We are proud to finally be able to showcase the whole of Vertikal Nydalen and the work that has gone into designing a multi-use building with natural and balanced ventilation and minimal energy consumption. We are fortunate to have worked with such a brave client as Avantor, who has been willing to take many risks with us. I encourage all to challenge the framework and existing regulations and explore opportunities to solve things in new and unconventional ways. This is the only way to evolve and improve, says founding partner Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, Snøhetta.
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​"As architects and members of the construction industry, we have a great shared responsibility to find viable solutions to the immense environmental challenges we face today. With Vertikal Nydalen, we are exploring new ways of working as part of a larger ongoing innovation effort at Snøhetta", says Trædal Thorsen.

No fans needed
As traditional ventilation systems in office buildings often require a lowered ceiling of up to one meter from the slab, this natural solution without ducts and fans saves a lot of space – space that is better used for light and openness, and that can drastically enhance the spatial qualities of the rooms.

The angled facade is designed to create pressure differences that enable air to move through the building. The air enters through valves in the façade, which open and close as needed. When two windows open on different sides of the building, the pressure difference forces the air to move through the premises, so the air circulates.

In addition to minimizing the space required for technical elements, the energy use for ventilation, the CO2 footprint in the construction industry, and increasing the spatial qualities of the building – naturally ventilated offices have less need for remodeling and technical maintenance, so the spaces are designed to last and adapt to the clients' changing needs.

Inside and out
A concrete core ensures a slow release of heat and cold from the floors. Steel constructions support the decks, while the façade is made up of wooden elements clad in heat-treated pine, which creates a warm and tactile expression on the outside. The façade is further characterized by the 43 angled balconies that stand out from the wooden surface with their steel finish. The railings are perforated, while the undersides are multifaceted and capture the light from different angles, providing observant passers-by with various expressions throughout the day.

The untraditional solutions set certain parameters for the interior. Any adage of materials would lower the effects of the raw concrete and the generous ceiling height on the warming and cooling effect of the building. Therefore, the concrete is unveiled as much as possible throughout, and only a thin oak parquet layer is glued onto the concrete flooring of the apartments. Large windows allow plenty of light, a rare quality for urban new builds, and views over the surrounding areas, with most reaching as far as the Oslo fjord.

Research projects to reduce emissions
Vertikal Nydalen results from two research projects supported by The Research Council of Norway. LowEx focuses on heating and cooling with very little added energy, and aims to develop new total concepts for thermal energy supply in zero-energy buildings and energy-positive buildings, with performance that is 2 to 2.5 times better than today's state-of-the-art.

The interdisciplinary collaboration through the research project Naturally (Naturligvis), with 13 participants from the Norwegian construction industry, focuses on developing new strategies for natural ventilation. To test and achieve the solutions used in Vertikal Nydalen, it was necessary to apply for exemption from the indoor climate requirements of both the technical regulations and Arbeidstilsynet (the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority).

The building is a FutureBuilt pilot project certified according to BREEAM NOR (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), with the level Excellent for the office area and Very Good in the apartments.

Tracking the climate
To track the heating and ventilation and collect feedback that can help optimize the climate, sensors are placed throughout the areas. Furthermore, all desks in the office spaces have QR codes that lead to an online register form where both positive remarks and criticism can be left. The programmed vents will be adjusted to optimize the perceived climate based on this combination of technical measurements and user-generated feedback.

The overall performance of the building will be closely monitored over the next years, and energy consumption, indoor climate and user satisfaction will be measured through the research project Hybrids - an extension of the original Naturally. The user experience of thermal comfort and air quality will be followed up through the project SmartTune.

Landscape Architect street level: LALA Tøyen ​

​Consulting Building Engineer: Skanska Teknikk

​Consulting Engineer, HVAC: Multiconsult ​

​Consulting Engineer, Electrical: Heiberg og Tveter ​

​Consulting Engineer, Acoustics: Brekke & Strand

​Consulting Engineer, Fire: Fokus rådgiving ​

​Consulting Engineer, Water: COWI 

Photography: Lars Petter Pettersen/Snøhetta ​