The Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre
Norsk havteknologisenter
2020–2028
Introduction
Our oceans are essential sources of food, minerals, and energy – all necessary to our continued existence. Set to be one of the world's most advanced facilities for ocean research and education, the Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre aims to contribute to developing and restructuring the maritime industry locally, nationally, and globally.
To be located in the Tyholt neighborhood of Trondheim, Norway, the 49.000 square meter knowledge center's world-class laboratories and research facilities will be a center of gravity within ocean space technology, bringing Norway to the forefront of this critical industry.
Technical details
Statsbygg
A unique framework for research and competence
The center's three buildings will contain both wet and dry laboratories with ocean pools, construction and machine laboratories, educational facilities and laboratories, offices, and meeting spaces. The facilities create a unique framework for research and competence within ocean space. They are adapted to various functions and activities and tied together by an overarching architectural expression and rhythm.
Visitors to the Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre will first encounter the research and educational building. Beyond being an inspirational learning platform for students and researchers, the building invites other visitors to dive into the ocean space. The second building houses the Flexlab, an existing ocean pool transformed into an unparalleled combination of various pools for education and small-scale testing. Two large pools are placed in the third building. The construction and machine laboratories, workshops, and storage are also found here. Reaching 280 meters in length, the building contains significant volumes both above and underground to allow for pools up to 25 meters in depth.
Holistic dynamic expression
The buildings' facades conceptually transfer nature's rhythm through waves of energy visible through an accurate, repetitive pattern along the buildings. The waves' power varies, being enhanced and subdued in line with the surrounding landscape, through different rotations of each panel. The façade is precise in its design, and its repetitiveness allows for a modular build while creating a holistic dynamic expression up close and at a distance.
Reflecting the center's ambition to become a hub for research and innovation activities related to ocean space, the new Ocean Technology Centre has ambitious environmental goals for its new knowledge center, aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification.
The regulation plan was approved by Trondheim’s City Council in September 2021, but Statsbygg later divided the project into three different contracts. Some changes have been made to the building stock. Snøhetta is only responsible for constructing Wing B, the Pool Building, together with the entrepreneur HENT.
