ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS

INDUSTRIAL

23 October, 2012

Gullesfjord Weight Control Station

Heavy duty trucks inspection station in Gullesfjord, Norway. (Jarmund/Vigsnæs AS Architects MNAL)

The building is situated at the key point junction between the new mainland to Lofoten connection and Vesterålen Island.

There will be a significant increase in heavy load transportation to this region and the need for a truck weight-and control station was present. The project is the first realized step from a feasibility study from 2007 including a gas station, cafe/shop, bus traffic junction and tourist facilities.

The site is situated at the very edge of one of Norway's untouched National parks and the main task of the study was to show how to integrate building mass into this fragile landscape. The finished project is partly integrated into the terrain, concealing potential visibility because of necessary gate-and technical height. A green roof softens the visual impact while blending with the local surroundings. Inclined concrete columns are angled to mirror the angles of local mountains while concealing the east-facing glass facade. Τhe splashes of orange and red brighten the station, without impeding its integration to the landscape.

The station will be sporadically used and dimensioned for 3-4 workers at the time.

Architectural office : JVA - Vigsnaes AS Architects MNAL
Location: Gullesfjord, Troms, Norway
Building type: Truck Inspection Station
Client: Statens Vegvesen, region Nord v/Frits Karlsen
Size: 308 m²
Completion: 2011
Consultants: AS Frederiksen, Union Consult BORO VVS og Miljø AS, Malnes og Endresen AS.
Design Team: Einar Jarmund, Håkon Vigsnæs, Alessandra Kosberg, Stian Schjelderup, Kazuhiko Yamada
Photographs: JVA, Håkon Aurlien, Nils Petter Dale