New timber building pays respect to historic museum complex in Sweden.
News from Sweden that Henning Larsen Architects have been selected to design a major new museum signals the continuing dominance of wood in contemporary architecture.
The recently revealed design for NORR, the New National Museum in Östersund, Central Sweden features a delicately timber-clad exterior on an otherwise bold form.
Designed as an extension to the existing Jamtli museum, the Danish architects continue to demonstrate the Nordic love for wood in architecture and design. The building has been described as a ‘wooden sculpture’, largely due to its geometric collection of roof pyramidal light-wells and the buildings harmonious use of timber. These light-wells will form an identifiable silhouette and a contemporary counterpoint to the existing historic wooden buildings sharing its site.
A statement from the architects suggests that wood was selected as it allows for a “respectful approach to its surroundings”. The wooden façade will ensure the building remains “understated”, an important component when designing an extension to an existing complex such as this.
While the architect has not released details concerning the structural material of the building, it is clear that timber plays a pivotal in its interior design too. Consisting of multifunctional spaces, along with a cafe, workshop, office and exhibition spaces, the wooden exterior creeps inside to warmly enhance these spaces under natural light.
The selection of the Copenhagen based firm, Henning Larsen, was ahead of 10 other firms. While none of these unsuccessful designs have been published yet, it’s fair to say that the material use of wood - inspired from the context and history, in turn providing respect to its surroundings – was a major factor in the designs success.
Due for completion in 2018, we’ll be keeping an eye on the development of this sleek wooden building.
