The Sydskogen School, a public school in Norway has become the first to achieve the highly regarded Nordic Swan Eco-label
Situated on the outskirts of Oslo, the Sydskogen School passed the rigorous environmental standards, which exceed those required of public buildings by local authorities in Oslo.
The building has an energy requirement that is 25% lower than conventional buildings in the Nordic region.
In addition to extensive roof solar paneling, the architects selected Kebony Wood for each of the building’s facades due to its strong environmental credentials and striking aesthetic quality.
The wood was instrumental in securing the Swan Eco-label as it requires all timber used in construction to be sustainably produced.
Sydskogen School, which has a capacity for 400 pupils and teachers received the full backing of Røyken local authority, who were committed to realising the vision for the environmentally friendly building to ensure the school could fulfil its potential.
The promotion of sustainable living was an integral value for the team, but selecting materials and methods which were both sustainable, strong and maintenance-free was essential.
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s technology is a patented process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol.
The process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which changes colour with weathering to evolve with Sydskogen School’s natural rural surroundings.
The lead project architect, commented: “We are delighted to have helped achieve the Swan Eco-Label for this exceptional school in Røyken.
“It is a really special space, and it would not have been possible without the support of the local council and the use of innovative materials like Kebony. We are confident that the children will thrive in a building allied with nature.”
Mette Valen, sales manager at Kebony, added: “Kebony is delighted to have contributed to this beautiful school in Oslo.
“It’s fantastic to hear that the school is the first Swan eco-labelled school in Norway – we are all really proud of this and would love to revisit this project as the wood adopts its silver-grey patina.”
