Sustainable Innovation: HasleTre Office by Oslotre Architects

Introduction

Situated on the outskirts of Oslo, Norway, HasleTre Office stands as a testament to sustainable innovation and architectural ingenuity. Designed by Oslotre architects, this environmentally friendly commercial building exemplifies a commitment to flexibility, innovation, and reuse.

Design Concept

The primary objective of HasleTre was to create a flexible and innovative workspace while minimizing environmental impact. The building spans 3000m² over five floors, incorporating a mass timber structural system that enables versatile plan solutions, including cell offices, open workspaces, meeting rooms, and smaller rooms.

Sustainable Construction

Key design strategies focus on retaining the structure’s second-hand reuse potential, flexibility, and financial value. Large standard production formats and dimensions, coupled with minimal perforations to raw elements, minimize material waste and maximize transport volumes. Glulam columns and beams are joined with beech dowels, while CLT walls and slabs utilize X-fix connectors, reducing steel usage by over 70%.

Upcycled Materials

HasleTre incorporates a significant portion of reused and upcycled materials, including ventilation aggregates, acoustic ceiling plates, and flooring. Sixty percent of the furniture is upcycled, while 40% is made from biodegradable materials or industrial waste, such as plastics harvested from the ocean.

Interior Design

The interior features exposed wood, cork, and wool elements, enhancing energy efficiency and promoting occupants’ well-being. Surfaces are fixed with wooden nails instead of screws, leveraging the hydrothermal properties of biological materials to reduce energy consumption and foster a productive environment.

Durability and Adaptability

By prioritizing quality and simplicity in both structure and interiors, HasleTre is designed for durability and adaptability. The building, completed in a record nine months, now houses Save The Children Norway, underscoring its suitability for organizations with shifting spatial needs and technical requirements.

Collaborative Effort and Recognition

The project exemplifies a collaborative effort among developers, contractors, and planning authorities, inspiring future endeavors in sustainable design and reuse. Recognized with the Norwegian Building Industry’s Timber Building of the Year award in March 2023, HasleTre Office serves as a beacon of sustainable innovation and architectural excellence.