Location Asker, Norway Client/operator Municipality of Asker Architects Arkís arkitektar ehf Kleppsvegur 152 IS-104 Reykjavik www.ark.is Team Project leader: Aðalsteinn Snorrason Architects: Birgir Teitsson, Arnar Thor Jonsson, Bjorn Gudbrandsson, Egill Gudmundsson Interior architects: Lisa Kjartansdottir, Thelma Gudmundsdottir Landscape architect: Hermann Olafsson Construction architects: David Fridgeirsson, Viggo Magnusson, Katrin Sif Michaelsdottir, Svava Bragadottir Author Aðalsteinn Snorrason Photos Tove Lauluten, Geir Anders Rybakken Ørslien Official opening June 2017 Construction costs NKR 277 million (EUR 29 million)
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TOP MARKS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY HOLMEN AQUATICS CENTRE IN ASKER Holmen Aquatics Centre in Norway is a continuation of Holmen beach, protecting and reinforcing the site’s natural qualities. The building’s footprint is overlaid with a roof garden that further enhances the experience of the beach with spectacular views. The focal point of the concept of the project by Arkís arkitektar is the activation of the building’s roof as an integral part of Holmen beach recreation area. The grassed roof slopes towards the south and provides an uninterrupted view of Oslo fjord’s islands and reefs. Holmen Aquatics Centre is first and foremost a swimming pool used for swimming and swimming lessons; it is intended for the aquatics club in Asker and as a teaching pool for primary schools. The aquatics centre has a unique design that, after thorough analysis, responds to its surroundings, the terrain, the beach, the needs of accessibility, and its relation to the sun that makes it seem a natural addition to Asker. Respect for nature Holmenskjæret is home to the most special beach area in Asker. On the north shore is a
marina, with a large grassed area leading inland and with potential for expansion by replacing disused sites like the Domen sewage pumping station. According to a group of locals, the green zone occupied by the building was worth preserving, and the locals’ objections posed a challenge. As a consequence the grass on the accessible roof replaces the green space occupied by the building. After a period of rejection and transition, the living grass roof is put to more purposeful use than the grass area that existed before the building, underlining its harmonious design. sb 3/2018