Energy positive

Construction is underway on the world’s first “powerhouse” hotel, designed by Snøhetta and due for completion in 2021. The circular Svart will be located at the foot of the Svartisen glacier in northern Norway, about 1,600 kilometres from Oslo. The “powerhouse” hotel will be able to harness enough solar energy to not only be self-sufficient but also to produce a surplus of energy so that, over a 60-year period, more energy will have been generated than was taken to build, sustain and demolish the building. The circular design provides panoramas of the fjord, and contributes to the energy-optimised design with rooms, restaurants and terraces being strategically placed to take advantage of the sun’s energy. The construction is inspired by vernacular architectural features as seen in houses and fishing huts of the region, providing authenticity while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.