Arkitektfirma Helen & Hard, AS

Samling Library

Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

SAMLING LIBRARY

Helen & Hard

ARCHITECTS
Helen & Hard

PHOTOGRAPHS
Sindre Ellingsen

MANUFACTURERS
Blumer Lehmann

PROJECT TEAM
Reinhard Kropf, Mariana Calvete, Håvard Auklend, Dag Strass, Simon Baumann

YEAR
2020

CATEGORY
Library

LOCATION
Norway

CONCEPT AND ORGANIZATION

It is a contextual and yet spectacular signature building that together with the proposed square creates a new identity and an initiation for further development in Nord-Odal. It is the new living-room for Sand´s inhabitants, the main gathering space with a low threshold for participation.

Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

It brings together literature, knowledge, economy, people, tradition, and history under one single roof. A holistic space with several functions that enhances a feeling of ownership for its users. Samling also connects the main street with the park and church on the other side at the same time that it connects to the courtyard of the municipality on the back.

This layout, together with the inviting and transparent main entrance, makes it an obvious urban passage.

Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

An indoor street through the library’s main room that increases life in the building, an invitation to unintentional visits, meet people, bring a newspaper or book, or have a short coffee break.

The building is relatively compact with an open atrium in the centre. A quiet space that gathers the different functions and allows people to see each other. The characteristic, radial geometry define the layout of the building from this center.

The 10 apartments are situated above the bank offices and are oriented to the south and west, thus making room for the generous ceiling height in the library.

Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

EXTERIOR EXPRESSION

The intrinsic radial organizational principle of the building enhance the dynamism of the façades, the exterior walls get a soft feeling by the weaving balconies.

These are designed so that no vertical division between the apartments is required, they become deep in front of the living room and kitchen, and become narrow french balconies to the bedrooms.

The façades are composed of a timber batten cladding of vertical wooden slats.

Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

The slats play around the entire building in horizontal bands, this wooden skin gives the building a depth effect and creates a holistic but simultaneously varied architectural expression.

The large glass surfaces of the public spaces provide a transparent skin between the interior and exterior, enriching their visual connection.

INTERIOR MATERIALS AND ATMOSPHERE

Nearly all building elements are made of wood, an environmentally friendly material but also a material that has unique aesthetic and sensory qualities together with a pleasant scent.

Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

By having a substantial use of wood, the building inspires a more sustainable and responsible society, reflecting the cultural heritage of wooden buildings and the local wood industry.

The characteristic wooden lamella ceiling conceals the integrated technical fixtures while growing to become bookshelves and sunshades.

The soft curves of both the ceilings and structure are important elements for room experience and quality in the bank, library, and common areas.

Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen


Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Samling Library
© Sindre Ellingsen


Samling Library
Floor plan
Samling Library
Floor plan
Samling Library
Floor plan

Samling Library
Floor plan


Samling Library
Section

Samling Library
Section


Samling Library
Site plan

Arkitektfirma Helen & Hard, AS
T +47 406 40672
Arkitektfirma Helen & Hard, AS
Erfjordgata 8, 4014 Stavanger, Norway