space travellers architects insert semi-transparent civic center amidst a norwegian lake

in the valley of numedal immersed in the norwegian landscape between rural settlements, lies rødberg, a small town with a new civic building designed by space travellers architects. the remote countryside sees a new proposal, the new era wharf, which connects the rural and the urban. with it, the architects intend to attract visitors and inhabitants with the strong, strategic project that is meant to become the valley’s new landmark. 

space travellers architects designed a volumetric and semi-transparent building, placed inside the town’s small lake. the decision to build inside the lake was due to its historical importance within the settlement. by building new construction in deep contact with it, the architects created a symbolical connection to the roots of rødberg itself. 

the main façade of the new building looks directly towards the majestic main building of the historical hydropower plant. this visual relationship represents a subtle bond between two buildings that inevitably has shaped and will shape the image of the village. the new era wharf is a three-story building in which each floor deals with a different program. the first level acts as connective tissue with a long pier that links the shore to the building. it also hosts a new flux of cycling mobility that connects the main street of rødberg with the bike path coming from nore, passing through the lake. 

when it reaches the building, the pier becomes a public terrace that offers a unique spot from which the tourists can enjoy the water. it also boasts a stunning view towards the historic buildings of the hydropower plant and a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountain and forests. it is also a temporary exhibition space, where art, water, and landscape create a unique atmosphere. 

the valley’s strong relationship with ancient traditions is also brought forth by space travellers architects in the civic center. a traditional and local food hub in the building offers a great experience to all the tourists that periodically visit the town to feel more connected to it.  this hub is meant to be a place where it will be possible both to taste and buy the local cuisine. other than providing a 360° experience to the visitors, it also will be possible to learn the traditional techniques by being in contact with the farmers. 

finally, the second floor hosts a breath-taking multipurpose arena where both formal and informal events can take place. the new era wharf is a strong and elegant social condenser where each floor can adapt to needed functions. the multipurpose room can be turned into a town hall, meeting rooms, fab-labs or event venue. its spaces are 100% flexible in order to allow municipalities and private investors in defining new functions based on their needs. 

the architects gave a characteristic materiality to each floor, to differentiate and personalize each one. the ground floor is all about water and tends to disappear to give to the end-user a better contact with this natural element. the three sides facing the center of the lake are made by thin and movable glazed panels that open up to the terrace and make the whole floor fluctuating, creating a deep connection with nature. the first floor finds itself at the very same height as the old bridge of rødberg.

to preserve an ideal connection between the bridge and the hydropower plant the first floor boasts a transparent glass contour. the glazing lets the eyes of the people passing the bridge to perceive the historical plant of rødberg, but seen through the new building, which represents the future of the village itself. finally, the second and last story is covered by the same wood the paves the pier. it is dark wood, coming from the forests that surround the valley and which give it its unique landscape. 

project info:

project name: new era wharf

design: space travellers architects

location: rodberg, norway

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edited by: cristina gomez | designboom