“Where there is a will, there is a way” Sam Eyde
Foto: Øyvind Wæhle
The Light Arc Furnace – the most important Norwegian invention off all times.
Tinfos plant - an example of infrastructure that was built in conjunction with the industry and social housing.
Foto: Øyvind Wæhle
The housing in Grønnbyen, for working-class families, held a high standard in its time, and was among the first houses to have indoor WC.
Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage is the story of the second industrial revolution, based on hydropower. Rjukan-Notodden is an expression of a new global industry in the early 20th century, an electrochemical industry that produced “Norgesalpeter” (calcium nitrate). The first industrial scale production found place in Notodden in 1905, and contributed to a substantial increase in food production. In many ways it was to do the impossible - win in an industrial race with competitors that had far greater resources, both professionally and financially. A daring railway project from Notodden to Rjukan was completed in two years. It made it possible to build the world’s largest power plant at Vemork and at Såheim.
From Farmland to Cities in 10 Years
Two townships evolved alongside the rise of Hydro’s industry at Notodden and Rjukan. Skilled architects, engineers, builders and craftsmen were hired. Between 1907 and 1914 Hydro built 340 housing units at the two locations. Both cities received a distinctive architecture.
Admini, the administration building. This is where Sam Eyde had his residence when he was in Notodden.
www.industriarven.no A Unique Status The 5th of July 2015, Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage was inscribed by UNESCO as the 8th heritage site in Norway. The inscription is based on an epochal invention, industrial production of fertilizer for agriculture, using hydropower.
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