Office & Commercial/Interiors

Lille Paléhaven

Project information

  1. Location Oslo‚ Norway
  2. Area16.000 m²

Project details

  1. Year2022
  2. StatusCompetition proposal
  3. Partners Bollinger Grohmann
    Scenario
    Norconsult
  4. Client Bane Nor Eiendom
  5. Enquiries Thomas Lindgård Fagernes
  6. Scope Urban planning
    Workplace design
    Commercial planning

Our proposal for Lille Paléhaven in central Oslo reimagines how a traditional quarter can offer modernised solutions and programmes, increasing its market value for stakeholders and elevating the surrounding urban context. Its location opposite Oslo Central Station provides a unique opportunity to become a transitional quarter between the city’s newest commercial district in Bjørvika and the vibrant historical area of Kvadraturen.

Programmatic challenges and creative solutions

One of the most challenging tasks of the project was prioritising the urban space for pedestrians whilst at the same time accommodating Bane NOR’s rail replacement bus services during track maintenance. To solve this, we proposed to establish a new plaza and a passage through the building that will not only meet Bane NOR’s needs at short notice but also creates new opportunities for workplace, retail and gastronomic experiences. Our solution enables a lively public plaza and anew pedestrian connection in an otherwise closed quarter and improves natural light conditions in the building.

Urban activation

The aim of our design proposal was to activate the urban life on both Strandgata and Fred Olsens gate, attracting visitors throughout the day and in the evening.

It was critical for us to propose a design that can easily be adapted to future market needs and users. The three lower levels are organised so that they can be connected in various ways according to tenant requirements, with flexibility for meeting rooms, restaurants, coworking spaces and retail.

The central building has a roof terrace on the sixth floor, designed as a lush garden with multiple zones for recreation and events for tenants.

Brand and design concept

Recognising the importance of this area, we wanted to create a distinct building with a strong identity that adds intrinsic value to the entire quarter. We chose to conform the building’s scale, proportions and materials to its neighbouring historical building, the Norwegian American Line. The facade is executed in light brick, with brass and anodized aluminium as a warm accent material. For the interior, we suggested a simple and elegant palette consisting of just a few durable materials such as terrazzo, cast-in-place concrete and oak.