Ramboll, PKA unveil preliminary designs for polar research centre in Norway
Denmark-based engineering, design and consultancy company Ramboll, in association with PKA Arkitekter, has completed the preliminary design for the expansion of Fram Centre, in Tromsø, Norway.
The project underlined the requirement for a passive house building construction. The extension will be a 10,000 square metre facility that will accommodate several facilities, such as advanced laboratories, offices and meeting rooms.
The architects have designed the facility in a way that the new development merges with the old buildings to evolve as a single unit. The interiors will reflect the diversity of the organisation.
The project will also incorporate several measures that bring about energy saving. It is being targeted as a low-carbon building that will emit 50% less greenhouse gas than similar conventional buildings. The building will be constructed using environment-friendly materials and is aimed at achieving the passive house standard.
The extension is also aspired to achieve energy label A in accordance with Norway's Energimerking scheme. Construction is expected to commence in mid 2012, subject to the approval of government.
The Fram Centre is a primary body for research, environmental monitoring and consultancy in the polar and Barents regions.
