Powerhouse Brattørkaia

Powerhouse Brattørkaia
Name	Powerhouse Brattørkaia
Caption	The energy-positive office building on the Trondheimsfjord.
Location	Trondheim, Norway
Coordinates	63, 26, 06, N...
Start date	2017
Completion date	2019
Opening date	2019
Building type	Office building
Architectural style	Contemporary
Owner	Entra ASA
Architect	Snøhetta
Structural engineer	Asplan Viak
Main contractor	Skanska
Floor area	18,000 m²

Powerhouse Brattørkaia is an energy-positive office building located on the waterfront of Trondheim, Norway. Completed in 2019, it is designed to produce more than twice the electricity it consumes over its operational lifespan, setting a new benchmark for sustainable architecture. The project is a collaboration between real estate company Entra ASA, architecture firm Snøhetta, contractor Skanska, and several other partners under the Powerhouse alliance.

Overview

Situated on the Trondheimsfjord, the building serves as a working hub for various technology and energy-focused companies, including Snøhetta's own Trondheim office. Its primary function is to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing large-scale commercial buildings that are net producers of renewable energy. The project is part of the broader Powerhouse initiative, which aims to develop buildings that generate more energy than they use for materials production, construction, operation, and demolition.

Design and architecture

The architectural design by Snøhetta is fundamentally driven by energy optimization. The building's distinctive pentagonal shape and slanted roof are engineered to maximize exposure to the sun, with the roof and upper facade clad in nearly 3,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels. Its strategic placement on the Brattøra peninsula considers the path of the sun and local wind patterns to enhance natural lighting and passive heating. The interior, featuring a large central atrium, promotes daylight penetration and natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial climate control. Materials were selected for their low embodied energy and high recyclability, in line with principles advocated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Energy production and efficiency

The building's integrated energy system is designed for extreme efficiency and surplus production. The extensive solar power array, combined with heat recovery from seawater via heat pumps and advanced geothermal energy wells, allows it to generate approximately 500,000 kWh annually. This is more than double the amount required for its operations, including lighting, HVAC systems, and power for tenant use. Surplus clean energy is fed back into the local Trondheim grid, supplying neighboring buildings, the Trondheim Central Station, and electric ferries. Energy storage is managed through a connected battery system to balance seasonal production variations.

Environmental impact and sustainability

The project's lifecycle assessment, conducted in accordance with standards from the European Committee for Standardization, shows a negative carbon footprint over a 60-year period. By producing a surplus of renewable energy, it directly offsets the embodied carbon from its construction materials, such as concrete and steel. The building also incorporates systems for rainwater collection and promotes biodiversity through its landscaping. Its performance contributes to national goals outlined by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment and serves as a live research site for institutions like the SINTEF research group.

Construction and history

Construction began in 2017, led by developer Entra ASA and contractor Skanska, with completion achieved in 2019. The site on Brattøra was previously used for port-related logistics, and the project involved significant groundwork to prepare the foundation near the Trondheimsfjord. The Powerhouse alliance, which also includes environmental organization ZERO and consulting firm Asplan Viak, oversaw the ambitious targets. The building officially opened in August 2019, with key figures from Snøhetta and the City of Trondheim in attendance.

Recognition and awards

Upon completion, the building received immediate international acclaim for its pioneering environmental design. It was awarded the prestigious Global Award for Sustainable Architecture and has been featured in publications by the Royal Institute of British Architects. It also won the Norwegian Lighting Prize for its innovative use of daylight. The project is frequently cited in studies by the International Energy Agency and has been presented at forums such as the World Economic Forum as a model for future urban development.

Category:Buildings and structures in Trondheim Category:Office buildings in Norway Category:Sustainable buildings Category:Snøhetta buildings Category:2019 establishments in Norway