AART architects aligns timber waterfront residences with the norwegian coastline

AART architects aligns timber waterfront residences with the norwegian coastline
photography by adam mørk
all images courtesy of AART architects

in norway, danish practice AART architects has completed the first stage of one of europe’s largest wooden residential developments. designed in cooperation with local practice kraftværk, the scheme is located on the edge of stavanger’s harbor front, transforming a formerly industrial area into an active and engaging part of the city.

the scheme is located at the edge of stavanger’s harbor front

as well as serving as a reinterpretation of the norwegian landscape, the scheme also embraces the region’s connection with wooden architecture – stavanger boasts the highest concentration of timber buildings in northern europe. the cohesive building configuration winds along the shoreline, structured as a coherent row of blocks connected by dramatic alleyways.

the project transforms a formerly industrial area into a active part of the city

the vibrant and accommodating atmosphere is further supported by the inclusion of freehold apartments of varying size, shape and height. for instance, the lower flats are designed as single-storied units, while the residences above are designed as duplexes. in order to maximize views and daylight, most dwellings have integrated sunrooms. social diversity also manifests itself in the large communal room on the first floor in the center of the building complex, overlooking the community square, the promenade and the sea.

the scheme embraces the region’s connection with wooden architecture

from an environmental perspective, slanted roof surfaces and angled façades help create optimal lighting conditions that reduce the need for artificial illumination. additionally, the careful use of locally sourced wood reduces the need for transport and consequently, the use of fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions.

the cohesive building configuration winds along the shoreline

cafés and shops at ground level accentuate recreational areas of the plan, while large staircases and terraces appear as casual meeting points, promoting social interaction and a sense of community. the promenade surrounding the development reaches all the way to the city center, linking the new wooden scheme with the historical wooden houses at the core of stavanger. consequently, the promenade creates a clear line and a natural flow between the recreational atmosphere at the waterfront and the urban and historical atmosphere in the city center.

the design is structured as a coherent row of blocks connected by dramatic alleyways

in order to maximize views and daylight, most dwellings have integrated sunrooms

large staircases and terraces appear as casual meeting points

the promenade surrounding the development reaches all the way to the city center

cafés and shops at ground level accentuate recreational areas of the plan

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project info:

name: the waterfront
location: stavanger, norway
type: residential development
size: 19,500 sqm
status: first building phase completed, second building phase will be completed in autumn 2015
architects: AART architects, kraftværk
developer: kruse smith
photography: adam mørk