green timber curves sculpt rhythmic facade for office building in norway

Oslotre builds Six-Story Timber Office Building in Kristiansand

Lumber 4 by Oslotre studio is a commercial and office building in Kristiansand, Norway, spanning six floors. A recessed ground floor constitutes the commercial level, with the five floors above dedicated to office spaces. The structure is composed of a mass timber construction with columns and beams made of glued laminated timber. The floors are constructed using a composite structure of CLT and concrete, creating a slim and efficient floor system that spans long distances while also addressing fire and acoustic requirements. Diagonals on the ground floor facilitate better vehicular access around the building. The existing communication core from adjacent building phases contributes to lateral stability and access to the office floors. Between the third and fourth floors, an atrium with an internal staircase made of masstimber has been introduced. Wood elements are prominently displayed in the interior, providing warmth in winter and cooling in summer.

all images by Kyrre Sundal

Green Curved Pine Facade Defines Lumber 4 Office Building

The facade is composed of prefabricated curved wooden elements in pine, treated with green paint. The eaves above the curved elements are straight, creating a curved shadow on the panel. Over time, the paint under the shadow will weather, leading to a changing facade with lighter and darker curved sections. For the insulation, Oslotre’s design team uses wood fiber throughout. The cladding consists of fire-treated pine. All load-bearing structures are exposed, and exterior walls are clad with white-pigmented spruce panels. Wood wool acoustic panels are used in concealed service areas and meeting rooms. Visible conduits are painted in a light beige color. The large floor-to-ceiling windows open up to the view and provide ample natural light. The construction of the building was completed in record time, with detailed planning and construction taking only 12 months. Lumber 4 demonstrates that it’s possible to construct competitive timber buildings when compared to the same technical standard concrete and steel structures. The building was 90% leased upon completion. Oslotre served as the architect, interior architect, and timber structural engineer for the project.

Lumber 4 by Oslotre Studio is a six-storey commercial and office building in Kristiansand, Norway

straight eaves cast curved shadows that will gradually weather, creating a dynamic surface

diagonal supports at ground level improve vehicular access around the site

exposed timber slats painted in light beige integrate into the material palette

floors combine cross-laminated timber and concrete for strength, fire safety, and acoustic performance

exposed timber interiors provide thermal comfort, cooling in summer and warmth in winter

large floor-to-ceiling windows provide generous daylight and outward views

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floor plan | image courtesy of Oslotre

project info:

name: Lumber 4
architects: Oslotre | @oslotre

lead designers: Jørgen Tycho, Christoffer Imislund

client: Skeie Eiendom

area: 3890 sqm

location: Kristiansand, Norway

materials: CLT and Glulam construction
photographer: Kyrre Sundal | @kyrresu