» IN 2016 , THE NORWEGIAN Parliament made a radical commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 – most of the world ’ s developed countries are aiming for 2050 – and hydropower already accounts for 95 % of the nation ’ s energy . Which means it ’ s no surprise that Norway is home to some of the world ’ s most innovative green buildings .
Økern Portal is one such development – an 80,000 square-metre complex in Oslo , constructed on stilts , designed to
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© Roger Holmen |
look like the trunks of trees , while horizontal facets in its glass and aluminium façade resemble leaves . It ’ s a fitting aesthetic , because the Økern Portal has been built to be sustainable in every respect .
Tasked with imagining a cutting-edge structure capable of achieving BREEAM certification , the Portal ’ s designers produced one that minimised energy use , waste and pollution , and was made of sustainable materials .
Its highly distinctive 14,600 square-metre façade consists of 75 % end-of-life aluminium , with a guaranteed carbon footprint of less than 2.3kg of carbon dioxide per 1kg of metal – 84 % lower than average .
Meanwhile , on the roof , the building is helping re-establish biodiversity in Oslo , featuring urban gardens and beehives , as well as running tracks .
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The Portal ’ s first two floors feature 3,000 square metres of triple glazing , featuring highly translucent , colour-neutral solar control glass , capable of sound insulation of between 32 and 38dB , and offering U-values of 0.6 or below .
One crucial element contributing to that exceptional performance is Edgetech ’ s Super Spacer ® T-Spacer™ Premium .
To achieve a thickness of 55mm for each unit , T-Spacer™ in widths of 14 , 16 or 18mm were used in conjunction with the automated application line operated by respected Danish glass supplier Glaseksperten .
“ T-Spacer™ is our preferred warm edge for demanding sustainability projects such as the Økern Portal due to its excellent energy performance ,” comments Glaseksperten Sales Manager
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© Roger Holmen
Jess Gregersen . “ It also helps us ensure extremely precise spacer application , even under highpressure deadlines .”
Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments : “ With urgent action needed all over the world to rapidly cut carbon emissions and prevent the worst impacts of climate change , it ’ s hugely encouraging to see so many innovative new developments achieving impressive leaps in sustainability .”
www . edgetechig . co . uk
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