M62 Offices and Kindergarten

LPO Architects were asked by the real estate department of the Norwegian State Railways to develop a project that would fulfill their need for office space, and revitalize their premises in the city center. During the preliminary phase the program was developed to meet the strict requirements of both the client and the preservation authorities. The narrow plot at the north edge of the park had to be able to accommodate a 5000 m2 office and a kindergarten program by adapting to the original scheme of the park. These limitations led to a building-envelope that takes into consideration the existing building heights, trees, paths, connections and borders. By using glass as the main material the building would also reflect this shifting context.

Being situated in between the historical city of Oslo and the open harbor transformation area of Filipstad, we were interested in developing a hybrid typology that would be perceived as a clear extension of the city block structure towards the street, and as a pavilion that reinforced its relationship with the park. The organizational strategy of the plan was to make a clear distinction between a strict autonomous core and a more fluid, adaptable facade that traced the perimeter of the plot. To accentuate this shifting condition in plan, we decided to work with a repetitive facade that would also be a pragmatic approach to the generic office program. The ground floor was split in two volumes as the zoning required public access to the park through the site. This condition allowed for a functional separation between kindergarten and office building. The entrance to the office was placed at the corner of the building to articulate the city block character of the building, and to facilitate a connection between the park and the ground floor programs.

The building has Breeam Nor class Excellent certification. Requirements for this high environmental standard led to the idea of solving the climate control of the facade with a system that itself had an architectural quality. External sunshades were designed as glass boxes surrounding the windows on the three office floors. The sunshades adapt to the sun angle on each facade. The functional objective of the solution was to combine a sense of privacy with the wish for maximizing daylight and unobstructed views. Changing light gives various shadow patterns and reflections in the screens and facades. In dark hours the interior light will turn the sunshades into lanterns. This durable glass façade will require minimal maintenance. The structural components of the building, steel frame and concrete slabs are partially based on recycled material. Energy wells on the premises provide heating and cooling for all parts of the building.