Kebony was selected as the exterior clad of the building due to its strong environmental credentials and striking aesthetic quality. Kebony is suitable for both interior and exterior applications that demand high performance and aesthetics such as decking, flooring, cladding, roofing, windows and furniture. Over time, Kebony acquires a silver-grey patina whilst maintaining its performance characteristics. A study by Bergfald & Company, a Norwegian environmental consulting firm, demonstrated that Kebony has a substantially lower carbon footprint than its tropical hardwood equivalents. Kebony is increasingly becoming the choice of architects and developers because it allows them to use wood without environmental degradation. Kebony has been used internationally in public and private projects including the site of Youth Winter Olympic Games in Norway, Sweden’s first round Passive House, Rochester Marina in New York, and the Cinque Port Street, Rye’s redevelopment.
The Kebony technology is a patented process which enhances the properties of non-durable wood species to give them similar characteristics to the best performing woods. Through a sustainable process wood species such as pines and non-durable woods are impregnated with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. The furfuryl polymer is permanently grafted into the wood cell wall with heat which greatly improves its durability and dimensional stability. Kebony’s uniquely natural aesthetic, durability and sustainable attributes are perfectly suited to compliment this ambitious school project.
It is wonderful to be a part of this special school which instills the importance of sustainability from an early age. We are so proud to have achieved the Swan Eco-label for this exceptional project, which wouldn’t have been possible without the use of innovative materials like Kebony. -Link Arkitektur
The school is equipped with 800 solar cells which contributed to the building’s award-winning status. Its large-scale windows welcome natural light from the exterior and foster an important connection with the surrounding forest landscape. The site is home to an array of outdoor activities. There is a mountain bike track as well as a light trail for skiing and walking. The amenities are available not only to the students and staff of Torbråten, but also to the local community members.
We are delighted to have contributed to this beautiful school in Norway and are excited to visit the project as the Kebony wood develops and ages with the beautiful surrounding landscape. -Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager at Kebony
During its construction, 97% of the waste was sorted at the source. Now, with a gross area of 6,700 m² [72,118 ft²], the school caters to 470 students and 46 staff. The structure consists of 2 expansive wings and a large multi-purpose hall. This passive house design uses energy wells for geothermal heating. The wells supply the building with waterborne heat in all of the structure’s floors.
Location: Norway
Architects: Link Arkitektur
Photographer: Hundven Clements