in collaboration with IV-consult, ZJA proposes a sustainable wooden railway bridge near tangenvika in norway, a design tender commissioned by government agency bane NOR. in an attempt to minimize the effects of climate change, wood is chosen as the main material of the project which combines timber, modern technology, and contemporary planning. the proposal takes shape as an arched bridge from laminated, curved beams resting on custom-made lozenge-shaped concrete columns to distribute the forces. wooden railway bridge tangenvika norway 1
norwegian authorities are improving rail connections between oslo and other cities by means of the intercity project

all images courtesy of ZJA

 

 

key elements are the development of double tracks for high-speed trains on the oslo-lillehammer line and the substantial reduction in the track length. this reduction requires a three-kilometer-long tunnel and the longest railway bridge in the country. near espa village on lake mjøsa’s banks, the project plans a kilometer-long bridge across the bay at the peninsula of tangenvika. in collaboration with IV-consult, ZJA conducted an inquiry into the possibilities and limitations of such a bridge, consisting of twenty 50-meters spans and two 35-meters spans, designing it as a wooded self-supporting construction resting on concrete columns.wooden railway bridge tangenvika norway 2an arched railway bridge from laminated, curved beams, resting on custom-made lozenge-shaped concrete columns, to distribute the forces

 

 

spruce and pine wood can be sourced locally in low-cost, and at the same time they are light, versatile, recyclable, and easy to combine with other materials. laminated wood has significant constructive and predictable properties, strength and is easily shaped into arches. working with this material, the desired property, shape, and size can be determined while integrating construction elements into a beautiful and larger whole.

 

 

the project can be largely prefabricated and assembled on-site while its proportions, the interplay of wood & concrete and the straight arched lines offer a harmonious touch. the robust rectangular columns and the rhythm of the relatively long wooden arches over the bay are a fitting addition to the landscape.

wooden railway bridge tangenvika norway 3the rectangular robust columns and the rhythm of the relatively long wooden arches over the bay are a fitting addition to the precious landscape

 

 

project info:

 

name: wooden railway bridge, tangenvika norway

architect: ZJA in collaboration with IV-consult engineering firm

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina petridou | designboom