Norwegian Wild Reindeer Center Pavilion / By Snøhetta

Hjerkinn, Norway
Snøhetta
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong

Photo © Courtesy of Ketil Jacobsen

World Architecture Festival 2011 - Category Winner: DISPLAY
The Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion is located at Hjerkinn on the outskirts of Dovrefjell National Park, overlooking the Snøhetta mountain massif.

Photo © Courtesy of Ketil Jacobsen

Photo © Courtesy of Ketil Jacobsen

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

The 90m2 building is open to the public and serves as an observation pavilion for the Wild Reindeer Foundation educational programmes. A 1,5km nature path brings visitors to this spectacular site, 1200 meters above sea level.

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

Photo © Courtesy of diephotodesigner.de

Dovrefjell is a mountain range that forms a barrier between the norther and southern parts of Norway. It is home to Europe’s last wild reindeer herds and is the natural habitat for many rare plants and animals. Among the unique wildlife at Dovrefjell, the Musk Oxen herds are probably the main attractions for visitors. A long history filled with travellers, hunting traditions, mining, and military activities has left its mark on this land. In addition to the natural and cultural landscape, the Dovre mountain range also holds significant importance in the Norwegian consciousness. National legends, myths, poetry (Ibsen), music (Grieg), and pilgrimages celebrate the mystic and eternal qualities of this powerful place. The founding fathers of the Norwegian constitution are ”agreed and faithful, until the fall of Dovre!”

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

This unique natural, cultural and mythical landscape has formed the basis of the architectural idea. The building design is based on a rigid outer shell and an organic inner core. Reminiscent of rock or ice eroded by wind and running water, the south facing exterior wall and the interior create a protected and warm gathering place, while still preserving the visitor’s view of the spectacular natural panorama.

Photo © Courtesy of Ketil Jacobsen

Photo © Courtesy of Ketil Jacobsen

Photo © Courtesy of diephotodesigner.de

Considerable emphasis is put on the quality and durability of the materials to withstand the harsh climate. The rectangular frame is made in raw steel resembling the iron ore found in the local bedrock. Over time the rusted colour blends with the natural colours in the sourrounding mountains.

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

Photo © Courtesy of Klaas Van Ommeren

The simple form and use of natural materials reference local building traditions. However, advanced technologies have been utilized both in the design and the fabrication process. Using 3D computer models to drive the milling machines, Norwegian shipbuilders in Hardangerfjord have created the organic forms from 10 inch square pine beams. The wood was then assembled in a traditional way using only wood pegs as fasteners. The exterior wall was then treated with pine tar while the interior wood has been oiled.

floor plan--drawing © Courtesy of Snøhetta

The pavilion is a robust yet nuanced building that gives visitors an opportunity to reflect and contemplate this vast and rich landscape.

elevation 1--drawing © Courtesy of Snøhetta

elevation 2--drawing © Courtesy of Snøhetta

cross section--drawing © Courtesy of Snøhetta

Project Data
Project name: Norwegian Wild Reindeer Center Pavilion
Location:  Hjerkinn, Norway
Program:  the public and serves as an observation pavilion
Project Area: 900 sqf
Completion Year: June 2011

Cost: 4,0 mill. NOK (Total construction cost pavillion)

Award: World Architecture Festival 2011 - Category Winner: DISPLAY

The people

Client / Owner / Developer: Jo Skorem, Norsk villreinsenter Nord

Architect: Snøhetta
Contractor wood: Lars Djupvaag, Djupvaag boat builders
Environmental Engineer: Knut Bjørgum, Snøhetta
Interior Designer: Heidi Pettersvold, Snøhetta
Main Contractor: Prebygg AS
Project Manager: Knut Bjørgum, Snøhetta
Structural Engineer: Trond Gundersen, Dr.Techn. Kristoffer Apeland AS
Sub contractor glass facade: Erik Stening, Skandinaviske glass system
Sub contractor steel: Bjørn Lonbakken, Lonbakken as
Photographs: © Klaas Van Ommeren, Ketil Jacobsen and diephotodesigner.de

Note>>Location in this map, indicate city/country but not exact address.

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