reiulf ramstad's timber romsdal folk museum in norway topped with angular roofline

RRA’s timber romsdal folk museum in norway topped with angular roofline
image © erik hattrem

oslo-based practice RRA (reiulf ramstad arkitekter) have shared images of their romsdal folk museum project located in the norwegian town of molde. the striking building will house one of the country’s largest and comprehensive exhibits on folk history and its scale expressing the urbanity and morphology of its context.

the scale model shows proportion and the distinctive form of the cultural scheme
image © RRA

the pointed structure has been created as a symbolic landmark to highlight the region’s deep-rooted history and identity. standing proudly at the center of the town, the scheme is characterized by its angular and irregular roofline and timber cladding. the different pitches have effected the ceilings of the spaces within which have also been clad in locally-sourced wood. the building contributes to the norwegian tradition of timber and sustainable construction

the building contributes to the norwegian tradition of timber and sustainable construction
image © kjell herskedal

the rectangular windows mimic the verticality of the envelope and underlines the architect’s intention to let the structure instill its meaning and function through its dramatic architectural expression. the 3,500 square meter cultural building will host a range of activities to cater to a broad audience, and become a living center for the exploration of the region’s history, contemporary culture, while flexible to cater to any changing needs.

the angular roof-line is an abstract reference to mountains
image © erik hattrem

RRA’s design approach is rooted in rationality and sustainability. the plan geometry is simple, with the characteristic angled shapes limited to the roof and the external wall, which has resulted in the circulation and internal organisation clear and flexible. large sliding doors separate the permanent and temporary exhibition areas, giving the curators the flexibility to combine or separate the spaces. lastly, the archives and workshops are positioned on the basement level, with the vertical circulation of large items facilitated by a large goods lift. different openings filter daylight and enriching the internal space. however, the main exhibition rooms are black boxes, giving the curators total control of artificial lighting.

 the characteristic angled shapes are limited to the roof and the external wall
image © erik hattrem

‘the completed museum complex will become an architectonic attraction and a treasured landmark which embodies a whole region’s history and identity.’ – RRA

the museum in molde, norway
image © erik hattrem

the entire building has been clad in locally sourced timber
image © RRA

the intention is to let the structure signal its meaning and function through an architectural expression
image © RRA

exterior walls and ceilings covered with maintenance-pine relief tempered with bio-based oil
image © kjell herskedal

the main exhibition rooms are black boxes, giving the curators total control of artificial lightning
image © erik hattrem

RRA’s proposal won the competition in 2007
image © erik hattrem

 the public areas are separated from the administration wing, which is located on both the ground and first floor
image © erik hattrem

image © erik hattrem