Originally constructed in 1960 as the headquarters of Norsk Hydro, one of Norway’s largest industrial companies, Bygdøy Allé 2 is a landmark of Scandinavian modernist architecture in Oslo. Designed by celebrated architect Erling Viksjø, the building is widely recognised as one of the country’s most important functionalist office buildings, distinguished by its sculptural use of natural concrete, integrated artworks and strong connection to its surrounding park landscape.

Following years of fragmented renovations, the building recently underwent an extensive rehabilitation led by ELEMENT Arkitekter. The vision was to carefully restore the original architectural qualities while adapting the 14-storey, 17,000 m² high-rise to contemporary expectations for sustainability, comfort and workplace experience.

Over time, a series of ad hoc renovations had compromised the architectural coherence of the building. Inadequate daylight conditions and obstructed views of the surrounding park and cityscape further reduced the quality of the interior environment. ELEMENT Arkitekter sought to restore the building’s original design ethos while transforming it into a high-performance and future-oriented workplace.

The refurbishment reopens the building to daylight and views across Hydroparken and the city beyond, while preserving defining historical features including the listed façade, original concrete detailing and integrated artworks by Jakob Weidemann and Odd Tandberg.

As part of this transformation, approximately 1,400 bespoke Kvadrat Shade motorised roller blinds with Clearview textile were integrated throughout offices, meeting rooms and shared spaces. The solution was customised to the building’s original window dimensions, ensuring a seamless integration with the renovated interiors and respecting the architectural integrity of the historic façade.

Because exterior alterations were prohibited, the interior shading solution played a key role in improving thermal performance and visual comfort without compromising the building’s heritage character. The slim, refined blind profiles align closely with the architectural vision, supporting a brighter and more functional workplace environment while contributing to energy efficiency and occupant wellbeing.

Roller blinds for improved comfort, energy efficiency and aesthetics

The light-coloured Clearview roller blind textile, installed in offices, meeting rooms and the lobby, reduces glare while preserving a good view towards the outside. This contributes to both occupant comfort and the building's high aesthetic standards. The metallised backing of the blinds minimises unwanted heat gain, making them a vital component in achieving energy efficiency goals.

Sustainability was a key objective in the refurbishment, with the goal of attaining BREEAM In-Use 'Very Good' certification. A significant enhancement was the replacement of the building's original double-glazed windows with triple glazing, which has considerably improved insulation.

The combination of triple glazing and Kvadrat Shade's Clearview textile resulted in a tangible improvement in energy efficiency.

Insulation performance (Improved U-value): The U-value, which measures the effectiveness of a building component in preventing heat loss, saw a notable improvement from 0.80 to 0.61 W/m². An easy improvement of 24% just by lowering the blinds. A lower U-value indicates enhanced insulation, thereby reducing the necessity for heating during the winter months.

Solar control performance (g-total reduction): The g-value, which measures the amount of solar heat entering a building, achieved a 54% reduction. A reduction in solar heat gain helps to maintain a cooler indoor environment in the summer months, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning.

These upgrades not only enhance occupant visual and thermal comfort but also contribute to reducing the building's overall energy consumption, in line with the project's sustainability objectives.