Evolving timber school building design in Norway

Abstract

Due to the eminent importance of global sustainability, Norwegian municipalities as acting clients for school buildings, have initiated the usage of massive timber (Cross Laminated Timber) in new buildings. This paper is aiming to gain knowledge regarding the construction of massive timber school buildings by examining three case studies located in Norway. The findings suggest that appear to be four main factors that determine the choice and placement of material in the selected buildings: sustainability, topography, function and structure. Sustainability goals advocate maximization of usage of massive timber in the school buildings. Topography indicates that underground volumes are constructed in concrete and steel. Function and structure restrict the usage of CLT in main teaching spaces that have smaller spans, while acoustically challenging spaces like music rooms and auditoriums are constructed in steel and concrete. Literature also showed an evolution of massive timber construction in Norway, with contemporary architects and engineers achieving larger room spans than 10 years ago. Based on the findings, CLT construction is increasing and can change the way schools are being built in the Nordics.