Powerhouse Telemark

The buildings and construction industry account for over 40% of global industry’s heat-trapping emissions combined. As the world’s population and the severity of the climate crisis continue to grow, precipitating global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, architects are challenged to work across industries to build more responsibly.

Designed for maximized solar energy harvesting and increased comfort and flexibility, Powerhouse Telemark is a prime example of truly sustainable architecture and the principle “Form follows environment”, meaning it is designed with the intent that the excess energy produced during the building's operational lifetime will exceed the energy used to create the building. Consisting of 11 floors and 8,403 m2 it sets a new standard for the future of workspaces and environmentally sustainable buildings by reducing its yearly net energy consumption by 70% compared to similar new-construction offices, and by producing more energy than it will consume over its entire lifespan. In addition, standardized interior solutions and co-working spaces ensures more flexibility for tenants. Proven results from the first years of operation verifies the role energy-positive buildings have in reaching UN’s 1.5-degree goal. With its net positive effect on the environment, Powerhouse Telemark aims to inspire architects, constructors and property developers both domestically and globally to explore the manifold opportunities of net positive buildings.