- Location
- Oslo, Norway
- Year
- 1998
- Client
- The Netherland foreign office
- Design By
- NSW Sivilarkitekter AS
The embassy building is in Homansbyen in Oslo, which was planned as a completely residential area by architect Georg A Bull. During the period 1858-78, 40 buildings were erected in Homansbyen, all of which were set back from the road with large front gardens. The architect for the original house from 1868 at Oscars gate 29 was Wilhelm von Hanno. Architect Arnstein Arneberg converted the house to the embassy in 1955 and designed an extension at the rear of the house. In 1995 NSW was contracted to plan a total renovation and rehabilitation of the house together with a new entrance. Landscape design was also a part of the project.
As with the other houses in Homansbyen, the main entrance was towards the courtyard, while the main facade was towards the street. It was important for the embassy to define the entrance more clearly. This was accomplished by forming an extension which contained the main entrance, an entrance for the physically challenged, a visitor’s toilet for visa applicants and a security air lock.
The extension which is located at the corner towards the courtyard can be accessed from the driveway. The extension itself comprises a street framework which supports the roof, a wall with a security telephone and information signs, in addition to a sliding door in stainless steel netting. The sliding door acts as the security barrier. It prevents unwanted vehicles from driving into the courtyard and directs visitors to the new main entrance. The walls of the extension are made from clear and opal glass which opens and closes for views in depending on the aspect.