Well-known Oslo building transformed into dynamic environment

In central Oslo, the office and retail building Stortorvet 7 has undergone a transformation and now offers a variety of restaurants and cafés, co-working and indoor bicycle parking. Offices on three of the floors feature Troldtekt acoustic ceilings.

The transformed Stortorvet 7, which is owned by Schage Eiendom, was completed in the second quarter of 2023.

The building stock, in addition to Stortorvet 7, includes addresses on Grensen and Nedre Slottsgate, consisting of a total of five buildings dating from the 1800s to 1970.

DARK Arkitekter is behind the transformation with a concept that focused on preserving and reusing the existing building stock while also emphasising the architecture and its place in the urban environment.

The atrium, which connects the building’s floors with both stairs and a lift, provides good light in the building and is a natural meeting point. Here, colleagues meet each other on their way to the office or visitors who are heading up to the building’s restaurant and rooftop bar overlooking Oslo.

In 2023, the building was named Transformation Project of the Year at the OMA Awards and is sustainability certified according to the BREEAM NOR standard in the “Very Good” category.

Modern and central office spaces

DARK Arkitekter opened up the building’s facades with, among other things, more entrances and window sections. This also applies to the office facilities, with the entrance to the offices laid bare to the cityscape with a reception, café and informal workspaces in a modern and colourful interior design.  Troldtekt acoustic panels were installed in the large multi-functional entrance hall. The panels in natural wood contribute to good acoustics, providing peace and quiet for working, enjoying a cup of coffee or visiting reception without distraction.

The 3rd, 4th and 5th floors are home to the co-working spaces and AI camera manufacturer Huddly, where Troldtekt acoustic panels were also chosen for several different rooms.

Warmth for the bare concrete beams

Huddly moved into the renovated office spaces on the 5th floor of Stortorvet 7 in June 2023. Huddly’s offices are located on both sides of the atrium staircase and consist of open-plan office spaces with beautiful views of Oslo Cathedral. The spaces contain open-plan offices, meeting rooms and communal areas, as well as a large and a small kitchen.

Troldtekt acoustic panels in natural wood provide warmth to the bare concrete beams that have been preserved, creating good acoustics in both the office’s open-plan workspaces and meeting rooms. Together with Huddly’s signature colours, the natural colour of the acoustic panels creates a warm atmosphere in the rooms. 

Co-working with good acoustics   

Space’s offices are located on the 3rd and 4th floors. Here, different companies rent space and have access to facilities such as desk areas, sofa sets, phone booths, meeting rooms and kitchens.

Precisely because so many people from different organisations are sitting together, good acoustics are important. Troldtekt acoustic panels in natural wood were therefore installed in the common areas, which together with the colourful interior design, help to break up the visible pipes and retain the rough and hard look of the concrete beams.

In the meeting rooms, Troldtekt line in white was installed, which with its light look and longitudinal grooves, contributes to the stylish interior design of the rooms.