World’s First Energy Positive Hotel Set For Norway

In an age where clean energy is set to be part of every countries future manifesto,  one looks as if it’s taking it more seriously than others. Check this new hotel called the Svart set for the arctic circle by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta.  The hotel takes its name from the nearby Svartisen glacier and is set to be the world’s first energy-positive hotel – meaning it will produce more energy than it consumes.  In fact, it will reduce its yearly energy consumption by approximately 85% compared to a modern hotel.

all images © snøhetta/plompmozes

The company also behind the Saudi Arabian art center and Europe’s first underwater restaurant in Norway seems to be constantly breaking new ground with their projects infusing futuristic eco-design into their work.  “It was important for us to design a sustainable building that will leave a minimal environmental footprint on this beautiful Northern nature. Building an energy positive and low-impact hotel is an essential factor to create a sustainable tourist destination respecting the unique features of the plot; the rare plant species, the clean waters and the blue ice of the Svartisen glacier,” said Snøhetta’s founding parter, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, in a statement.

The circular structure stretches out over the fjord where weatherproof wooden poles will dig deep into the water to support the hotel, environmentally speaking solar panels will be used across the roof powered by hydro clean energy for energy, the hotel will incorporate geothermal wells that are connected to heat pumps for hot water. Energy-intensive materials such as structural steel and concrete have been avoided as much as possible.

No news when it will actually open so stay tuned to their site.