ABB ‘frozen music’ episode #22: sara cultural centre’s 100% renewable energy system

ABB ‘FROZEN MUSIC’ VIDEO series: EPISODE #22

White Arkitekter from Gothenburg have taken up the challenge and designed one of the most modern wooden buildings in the world. The Sara Cultural Centre, also referred to as Sara Kulturhus, stands tall at 75m above the Swedish city of Skellefteå. Notably, the high-rise complex uses 100% renewable energy, and engages autonomous AI to steer consumption and functionalities. Episode #22 of the ABB Frozen Music video series turns its lens toward the building’s harmonious operation, that further contributes to its overall efficient energy utilization.

Check out Episode #22 on the Sara Cultural Centre featured in the series – here!

Episode #22 of the ABB Frozen Music video series (see above) turns its lens toward the Sara Cultural Centre | image © Visit Skellefteå

all images courtesy of ABB

One of the highest timber skyscrapers in the world succeeds with modern, inviting design, and innovative technologies. The Sara Cultural Centre, designed by the renowned Scandinavian practice White Arkitekter, stands as a testament to tradition. In fact, the architectural firm’s partners, Robert Schmitz and Oskar Norelius, aimed to create a ‘brave building’ that reimagined conventional construction down to the foundational materials, drawing inspiration from Skellefteå’s timber legacy. Episode #22 of the Frozen Music series by ABB delves into the cultural centre’s architecture, functionality and design, celebrating a symphony of architecture.

architects White Arkitekter celebrates the timber by exposing it through glaced façade | image © Visit Skellefteå

creating a forest in the city

Housing the city library, art gallery, museum, and regional theatre, along with a high-rise hotel, the Sara Cultural Centre is a bold manifestation of sustainable architecture. Rather than concealing the timber, White Arkitekter celebrated it through a glazed façade and exposed walls, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a forest: a space that is not only comfortable and serene but also exudes joy. The building becomes a space of complexity that appears simple, showcasing each space’s careful engineering to cater to diverse technical needs, from silent library rooms to vibrant theatre performances. 

the cultural centre’s diverse programme has called for a range of innovative solutions in mass timber construction, to handle spans, flexibility, acoustics, and overall statics | image © Åke Eson Lindman

The intricate design incorporates innovative construction techniques, utilizing prefabricated 3D-modules in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for the high-rise hotel, and Glued Laminated Timber (GLT) for the low-rise cultural centre. This diversity in construction techniques addresses the complex needs of the building, from spans and flexibility to acoustics and overall statics. Collaborating with structural engineers Dipl.-Ing. Florian Kosche, White Arkitekter created integrated structural designs that eliminated the need for concrete in the load-bearing structure, significantly reducing the building’s carbon footprint as well as contributing to a reduced construction time.

the centre is not only one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings, but is also a place where the city’s culture meets | image © Visit Skellefteå

a timber building with 100% renewable energy

There is another marvel that contributes to the harmony between design and sustainability, and that is the cutting-edge solution by ABB and the local power company Skellefteå Kraft, managing the Centre’s 100% renewable energy. ABB’s product suite, including ABB Ability Optimax and ABB eStorage OS, driven by autonomous AI, monitors and adjusts the power supply, communicating seamlessly with various components such as PV panels, battery storage, heat pumps, critical systems, and even the sprinklers. This system not only optimizes energy use within the building, but also redistributes excess energy to other structures in the city, resulting in a zero-emissions outcome and contributing to advanced sustainable energy solutions.

the building serves as a dynamic hub for the arts, literature, and events in Skellefteå | image © Åke Eson Lindman

In the face of Skellefteå’s challenging weather conditions, the timber Sara Cultural Centre stands as a beacon of sustainability while maintaining energy efficiency. The transparency theme of the building, allowing both residents and passers-by to connect with the surroundings, is achieved through a deliberate choice of materials and design elements, particularly through the exposed timber in the glazed façade. As a result of embracing sustainability in both materials and energy solutions, the Sara Cultural Centre has rightfully earned its place in global recognitions such as the Global Vision Awards, CTBUH Awards, and Electrical Review Excellence Awards.

As the building opened its doors in 2021, the architects were filled with pride. The building quickly became a beloved destination for the people of Skellefteå, showcasing the diverse ways it could be utilized. The 2022 Global Vision Awards recognition only added to their celebration, highlighting the Centre’s impact on the built environment and its role as a beacon for sustainable design worldwide.

a collaboration between ABB and Skellefteå Kraft manages the centre’s 100% renewable energy system | image © Visit Skellefteå

the Centre has earned prestigious awards such as the 2022 Global Vision Awards, CTBUH Awards, World Architecture Awards, Global Vision Awards, and Electrical Review Excellence Awards | image © Visit Skellefteå

the property is equipped with solar panels, batteries and a heat pump that work with the electricity grid and water and district heating networks | image © Visit Skellefteå

ABB’s eStorage OS, driven by autonomous AI, monitors and adjusts the power supply | image © Patrick Degerman

‘Frozen Music’ is ABB’s video series on some of the world’s architectural marvels | image © Åke Eson Lindman

more here: https://new.abb.com/buildings/frozen-music

project info: 

brand: ABB | @abbgroup

series: Frozen Music

episode: #22

project: Sara Cultural Centre | @sarakulturhus

architects: White Arkitekter | @whitearkitekter

location: Skellefteå, Sweden