References

Library in timber construction

Nord-Odal, NO

Three-storey ‘Samling’ library building with its curved timber construction, seen in the evening light

Village library forms an architectural highlight

The spectacular timber building in Nord-Odal houses the village library, a bank branch and 10 apartments. The ‘Samling’ structure constitutes the first stage in the planned development of the landscape of the village. With its timber construction and location, it creates a place for meeting and connecting.

The building itself is reminiscent of a snail shell with an inner courtyard. The architecture of the single-storey, high-ceilinged library with its balcony and of the bank’s premises is especially striking. Distinctive frame structures imbue these interior spaces with their very own character. The geometry of these frame structures proved complex and challenging to implement. At the request of the architect, our timber construction team found a bespoke solution for the corner joints of the framework beams without using visible steel connectors. Erecting the ready-to-install frame structures was not part of our brief and was instead carried out by local partners. To ensure that on-site installation ran smoothly, we put together a construction kit with instructions and approvals all ready for the Norwegian team of installers to use.

Portrait Martin Looser Division Manager Free Form Blumer Lehmann

Martin Looser

Division Manager Timber Construction | Free Form | International
Member of the Executive Board

+41 71 388 58 28
martin.looser@blumer-lehmann.com
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Project details

Client:
Kommune Nord-Odal
Architecture:
Helen & Hard
Project type:
Office and administration, Residential construction apartement building
Construction type:
Wood element construction
Services:
Timber construction
Construction:
2019
Locality:
Nord-Odal
Country:
Norway

Links

View from the balcony into the large, bright space with staircase and bookshelves

The unusual timber structure gives the ‘Samling’ its distinctive appearance.

View from the ground floor with bookshelves up to the roof in the library building with its striking timber construction.

The spacious design and ample glazing let plenty of natural light into the high-ceilinged, single-storey library space.

Bright space with stripped-back interior finishing in timber and large windows, equipped with a reception desk and reading corner

The welcoming furnishings and the design of the library’s spaces underpin the intention for the building as a meeting place.

Library with balcony and bookshelves with curved timber structure.

The timber used in the building’s structure and interior finishing makes for a comfortable temperature and good air quality in the library.

Library with balcony and bookshelves with curved timber structure.

Timber predominates in the building’s structure and interior finishing.

<br/>Bright library with staircase, bookshelves and large windows.<br/>

The timber frame construction defines the appearance of the building from the inside.

Close-up of the Samling library building with its distinctive timber facade and curved balconies.

Timber also has a strong influence on the outside appearance of the ‘Samling’.