In the scenic town of Kristiansand, Norway, LUMBER 4, designed by Oslotre Architects, stands as the region’s first and largest commercial building constructed entirely of mass timber. This groundbreaking structure redefines the economic viability of timber buildings and sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious design.
Lumber 4 Technical Information
- Architects1-19: Oslotre AS
- Location: Lumberveien 27, 4621 Kristiansand, Norway
- Topics: Mass Timber
- Area: 3,106 m2
- Project Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Kyrre Sundal, © Christoffer Imislund/Oslotre
We are advancing toward more sustainable, circular, and biologically-based architecture, a vision Oslotre has championed for nearly 15 years. It is immensely gratifying to see our efforts recognized.
– Jørgen Tycho, Creative Director at Oslotre Architecture
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Design Innovation: A Symphony of Timber
LUMBER 4’s architectural brilliance is encapsulated in its all-timber construction, where wood is utilized as the primary structural, insulating, and protective material. The façade, with its green-painted, curved wooden surfaces, has garnered international acclaim, positioning LUMBER 4 as one of the most talked-about buildings. The design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, offering a warm and inviting ambiance that contrasts with the cold, often impersonal nature of steel and concrete structures.
The architects at Oslotre have masterfully blended form and function, creating a building that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. The prefabrication techniques employed allowed for rapid construction, demonstrating that timber can be a competitive alternative to traditional building materials.
Sustainability: A Green Revolution
At the heart of LUMBER 4 is its commitment to sustainability. The building has achieved a remarkable 53% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional construction methods. This impressive feat is a testament to the potential of mass timber as a cornerstone of eco-friendly architecture. By aligning with the Taxonomy regulations, LUMBER 4 exemplifies how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into commercial developments.
The use of wood not only reduces the carbon footprint but also promotes a circular economy by utilizing renewable resources. The project’s BREEAM certification underscores its adherence to the highest environmental standards. This focus on sustainability extends to the building’s operations, with features such as natural ventilation and energy-efficient systems ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.
A Vision for the Future: Oslotre’s Legacy
LUMBER 4’s recognition as the world’s best mid-rise office building signifies more than just an architectural achievement; it marks a transformative shift in the construction industry. Jørgen Tycho, Creative Director at Oslotre, aptly describes the project as a step towards a more sustainable, circular, and biologically-based architectural paradigm. For nearly 15 years, Oslotre has championed the use of wood, aiming to reconnect architecture with nature and promote regenerative materials.
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About Oslotre
Oslotre is a design-build architectural office that has been specializing in wood and timber constructions for over a decade. The team of architects, engineers, and carpenters brings innovation and expertise in wood as a building material. Oslotre aims to transform construction practices by reconnecting architecture with nature, using regenerative materials, natural ventilation, and leveraging biological and climatic properties to create a new form of biological architecture.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Client: Skeie Eiendom
Contractor: VEF Entrepreneurs
Project Management: Innovatre
Architectural Team Members: Jørgen Tycho Architect MNAL, Christoffer Imislund m.arch., Katrin Wilde Sampaio, Kristine Karklina
Interior Architect and Team Members: Amanda Skadeberg – Oslotre
Landscape Architect and Team Members: Hanne Alnæs, Kaja Tellefsen Wivestad from Asplan Viak
Structural Engineer (Wood): Oslotre AS
- Structural Engineer (Building Services): Sweco AS
- Structural Engineer (Concrete): Multiconsult AS
- Delivery of Solid Timber and Glulam: Splitkon
- BREEAM Consultant: Rambøll
- Ecologist: Rambøll
- Fire Safety Engineer (Concrete): Rambøll
- Fire Safety Engineer (Wood): Rambøll
- Fire Safety Engineer: Rambøll
- Water and Sewage Engineer: Vianova
- Electrical Engineer: Bravida AS
- Ventilation Engineer: Rivco AS
- Acoustic Consultant: Sweco AS
