JVA arkitekter converts an old train station transformer into the gallery trafo

‘gallery trafo’ by jarmund / vigsnaes arkitekter,  asker, norway
image © nils petter dale
all images courtesy of jarmund / vigsnaes arkitekter

jarmund / vigsnaes arkitekter (JVA) out of norway has shared with us the ‘gallery trafo‘, a transformation of a decommissioned railroad transformer. the new art space maintains the rugged industrial nature of the brick building, utilizing the existing openings and angles extrapolated in faceted corten steel faces and concrete elements.  the large openings are occupied by heavy timbered panes of colorful glass panels, adding a touch of creativity and liveliness to the interior. the inside is fitted with exposed steel stairs, polished concrete floors and raw wooden panels along the walls.in contrast, the exhibition spaces are conceived as stark white cubes – the ideal neutral backdrop for just about any piece of art  – that also provide a bright indirectly-lit environment.

image © nils petter dale

image © nils petter dale

image © nils petter dale

image © nils petter dale

image © nils petter dale

image © nils petter dale

image © nils petter dale

gallery space
image © nils petter dale

exhibition space
image © nils petter dale

elevation

project info:

location: asker sentrum, norway
building type: gallery
client: tandberg eiendom
size: 1200m²
schedule: finished 2006
primary architects: einar jarmund, håkon vigsnæs, alessandra kosberg, anders granli, rakel helling