Powerhouse Telemark, Norway

Excerpts:

Architecture firm Snøhetta has unveiled plans for a faceted office building in Norway, set to become the first in the country to produce more energy than it consumes.

Snøhetta‘s design is for a “diamond-shaped” structure. This form was generated by maximising the building’s ability to function as a collector of solar energy, via a large area of photovoltaic panels on the south-facing angled roof.

Solar cells, heat exchangers and heat pumps will also produce electricity and heat for the building.

Set to be completed in 2019, the 11-storey building will contain 6,500 square metres of floor space. It is expected to cost Eriksrød’s company, R8Property, $17 million (£14 million) to build.

As well as office floors, Powerhouse Telemark will boast a generous lobby, a gym and a staff canteen. It will also feature a roof garden, which could be opened up for use by the entire town.