The hotel is located directly above the Arctic Circle. "Svart" is the first building to be built according to the energy-positive Powerhouse standard in a northern climate. This new hotel not only reduces annual energy consumption by approximately 85% compared to a modern hotel, but also produces its own energy - an absolute "must" in this valuable Arctic environment. The hotel also becomes the northernmost powerhouse in the world.
"Building in such a precious environment is associated with clear obligations to preserve the natural beauty and fauna and flora of the area. It was important to us to design a sustainable building that would leave a minimal ecological footprint in this beautiful northern nature. The construction of an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly hotel is an essential factor in creating a sustainable destination that takes into account the unique features of the property. The rare plant species, the clean water and the blue ice of the Svartisen glacier," said Kjetil Trædal Thorsen.
The circular body of "Svart" extends from the coast at the foot of the Almlifjellet into the clear waters of the Holandsfjord. The round shape offers a panoramic view of the fjord and is a unique experience to live close to nature. The building is inspired by the local folk architecture in the form of the "Fiskehjell" (A-shaped wooden structure for drying fish) and the "Rorbue" (a traditional type of seasonal house used by fishermen). The reference of the Rorbue is the supporting structure of the hotel, which consists of weatherproof wooden piles that extend several metres below the surface of the fjord. The masts ensure that the building physically takes up minimal space in unspoilt nature and gives the building an almost transparent appearance. The valuable nature around the hotel will only be accessible with an energy-neutral boat shuttle.
