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by Sean Ronnie Hill on Jun 24, 2023
Throughout my career, my focus has been on creating low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs that contribute to a sustainable future. However, there is one project that stands out among the rest – the Powerhouse initiative.
The Powerhouse standard, hailed as the world’s toughest eco-building benchmark goes far beyond traditional sustainability goals. To meet this extraordinary standard, a building must not only produce more renewable energy over its lifetime than it consumes but also account for the energy used in its manufacturing, construction, operation, future renovation, and even its eventual demolition. In essence, a powerhouse must generate more renewable energy over a typical 60-year lifespan than it consumes throughout its entire life cycle.
But before embarking on the journey of calculating the renewable energy output of a powerhouse, it must first meet the passive house standard. This ensures that the building is meticulously designed to be as energy-efficient as possible, minimizing its energy demands from the outset. In addition to these requirements, a Powerhouse must also be sold or rented at market rates, provide a healthy indoor climate, and generate all its renewable energy on-site or in close proximity, even utilizing wave or tidal energy if feasible.
The Powerhouse project emerged as a collaborative effort between renowned international architecture firm Snøhetta, Swedish contractor Skanska, the environmental NGO Zero, and various other partners. It was a groundbreaking endeavour that sought to redefine what was possible in terms of sustainable architecture.
Kjørbo, nestled along Sandvika’s enchanting seafront, graces Bærum municipality near Oslo, Norway. These two refurbished structures, dating back to 1980, span roughly 2,600 square meters each. Their collective energy consumption amounts to a staggering 250 kWh per square meter every year. Architect: Snøhetta
Chapter 1: Powerhouse Kjørbo – Reimagining the Past for a Greener Future
In 2014, the world witnessed the completion of the first building to meet the Powerhouse standard – Powerhouse Kjørbo. Situated just outside Oslo, this project involved the deep retrofitting of two 1980s office buildings. The transformation was remarkable. The original glazed facade gave way to triple-glazing and insulated panels adorned with beautifully charred timber cladding. As a testament to our commitment to sustainability, we repurposed the existing windows for interior partitions, minimizing waste and exemplifying the principles of the circular economy.
During construction, we prioritized recycling and reusing materials, resulting in over 90% of construction waste finding new life in other projects. But the true highlight of Powerhouse Kjørbo lies atop its roof – a massive 1,500 square meter solar photovoltaic array that produces twice the energy needed by the building itself. This remarkable feat serves as a shining example of how sustainable design can transform existing structures into powerhouses of energy production.
Chapter 2: Drøbak Montessori – Where Nature and Education Harmoniously Coexist
Nestled amidst the lush forests and overlooking the majestic Oslofjord, Drøbak Montessori, a timber-framed school, exemplifies the essence of the Powerhouse standard. Designed to generate an estimated 30,500 kWh of solar power annually, the school seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with architectural elegance.
At the heart of the design lies an angular “solar plate” clad with south-facing PV panels, positioned at an optimal 33-degree slope to harness the sun’s energy. This unique feature also functions as a ventilation “stack,” facilitating the expulsion of stale air while simultaneously drawing in fresh air to supplement the building’s heat recovery ventilation system. The integration of sustainable technologies and the use of natural materials seamlessly blend the boundaries between the built environment and the natural world, fostering an environment that inspires wonder and respect for nature.
Mervi Flugsrud, a member of Drøbak Montessori, succinctly captures the spirit of the school, stating, “We believe that the building itself will contribute to increased understanding and respect for nature. We eagerly anticipate moving into the greenest school in Norway, where sustainability is not just a concept, but a way of life.”
Powerhouse Telemark, in Postgrunn. Architect: Snøhetta
Chapter 3: Powerhouse Telemark – Paving the Way for Future Sustainability
As the Powerhouse initiative continues to gather momentum, the next project poised to meet this extraordinary standard is Powerhouse Telemark – an office building in the idyllic Norwegian town of Porsgrunn. With completion scheduled for the coming year, Powerhouse Telemark serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable architecture.
Drawing inspiration from nature, the building will feature a design that seamlessly integrates timber construction, minimizing its carbon footprint while simultaneously providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. It will rest on “weather-resistant wooden poles,” extending into the pristine waters of Holandsfjorden, further emphasizing the harmony between the built environment and the natural landscape.
The true jewel in the Powerhouse crown is yet to come – Svart, an awe-inspiring hotel nestled at the foot of the Svartisen glacier in Norway’s Arctic region
Chapter 4: Svart – A Hotel Born from Nature’s Embrace
However, perhaps the true jewel in the Powerhouse crown is yet to come – Svart, an awe-inspiring hotel nestled at the foot of the Svartisen glacier in Norway’s Arctic region. Svart represents the culmination of our collective vision to create a circular building constructed primarily from timber, minimizing its impact on the environment while offering unparalleled comfort and luxury to its guests.
In preparation for this ambitious project, Snøhetta undertook an extensive study to map the behaviour of solar radiation in the fjord. The surrounding towering mountains and extended summer nights presented unique challenges, which we diligently overcame, ensuring that Svart’s solar PV systems would operate at optimal efficiency throughout the year.
As construction progresses, Svart is poised to become a beacon of sustainable hospitality, setting new standards for the industry and inspiring future generations of architects, designers, and travellers to embrace sustainable practices without compromising on luxury.
McKelvey Farm House, a highly sustainable new build home
Conclusion: Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Architecture
In a world grappling with the profound challenges of climate change, architects have a moral responsibility to redefine the boundaries of what is possible. With over two decades of experience, I am privileged to have been a part of the Powerhouse initiative, a movement that seeks to reshape the future of architecture by pushing the boundaries of sustainability.
From the transformative retrofit of Powerhouse Kjørbo to the harmonious integration of technology and nature at Drøbak Montessori, and the forthcoming Powerhouse Telemark and Svart, each project has been a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to a sustainable future.
As architects, we have the unique ability to shape the world we live in. By embracing low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs, and adhering to standards as stringent as the Powerhouse benchmark, we can pave the way for a future where sustainability and architectural beauty coexist harmoniously. Let us embrace this challenge with open hearts and open minds, as we craft a world that not only sustains us but inspires us to reach ever higher for a brighter tomorrow.
In the following section, I’ve addressed some frequently asked questions about the Powerhouse standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Powerhouse standard?
A1. The Powerhouse standard is an ambitious green building standard that requires a building to produce more renewable energy than it consumes across its entire lifecycle, including material production, construction, operation, and deconstruction.
Q2. How does a building meet the Powerhouse standard?
A2. Firstly, the building must meet the Passive House standard to ensure maximum energy efficiency. Then, it must generate its own renewable energy, either on-site or nearby. The building also needs to offer a healthy indoor climate and be marketable at regular rates.
Q3. What was the first building to meet the Powerhouse standard?
A3. The first building to meet the Powerhouse standard was the Powerhouse Kjørbo, which involved retrofitting two office buildings from the 1980s.
Q4. How is the Powerhouse standard feasible?
A4. The Powerhouse standard is challenging but feasible. It involves a mix of energy-efficient design, on-site or nearby renewable energy generation, and sustainable construction practices, like recycling or reusing a large amount of construction waste.
Q5. What is the future of the Powerhouse standard?
A5. With more people recognising the need for sustainable construction, the future of the Powerhouse standard is promising. The upcoming Powerhouse Telemark and Svart hotel show that a variety of building types can meet the Powerhouse standard.
The Powerhouse standard stands as a beacon of possibility in a world desperately seeking paths to sustainability. It extends an invitation to all those within the realm of architecture, construction, and design to reimagine what our buildings can be, not merely shelters, but active contributors to a greener world.
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