barentshouse, kirkenes by reiulf ramstad architects
image courtesy reiulf ramstad architects

reiulf ramstad architects have released plans for their sky high barents house project.

the artic town of kirkenes is the hub of regional relations between norway and russia.
the barents house will mirror the diverse interchange that is taking place between
the two nations and symbolize innovation and open possibility. wood and timber play
an important role in the culture and traditions of both nations. therefore the concept
was to create a signal edifice out of wood. the result will be the tallest building in
the world (constructed of wood); a multi- functional, architecturally innovative structure
that constitutes a pilot project regarding the use of wood in the buildings of tommorow.

the building will function as a lighthouse for the development of the barents region
and the regional border cooperation in the north. it will include a number of facilities,
among them a library, a theatre and a creative environment for artists, researchers,
students and other relevant institutions. the norwegian barents secretariat, the international
barents secretariat and the barents institute will of course also have their offices in
the building.


barentshouse, kirkenes
image courtesy reiulf ramstad architects


barentshouse, kirkenes
image courtesy reiulf ramstad archits

location: kirkenes, norway
program: a center for cultural and innovative interchange between russia and norway.
client: the norwegian barents secretariat
size:10 000 m2
commission type: invited ideas competition 2009 1st prize
status: ideas project completed
year: 2009