Energy positive project at the foot of a glacier

Construction is underway in a ground breaking Snøhetta project at the foot of Norwegian glacier.  Svart will sit at the foot of the Svartisen Glacier and will become the world's first powerhouse hotel, meaning over 60 years it will generate more renewable energy than will be used to build, produce the materials, sustain daily operations and even eventually demolish the building. 

Not only will Svart's energy consumption be 85% less than that of a standard hotel, it will produce its own energy via solar panels.

Situated just above the Arctic circle, work began last year, and the hotel is scheduled to open in 2021.

Svart is scheduled to open in 2021.  Imaqe credit -  Snøhetta

The circular body of Svart will provide 360° views of the fjord, bringing its guests close to the natural environment of the Arctic Circle. It extends from the shoreline at the foot of the Almlifjellet Mountain into the pristine waters of the Holandsfjorden fjord, and can only be accessed by boat.

Svart is designed to be held up by wooden piles, which cross to form a boardwalk to be enjoyed by guests during the summer months. The boardwalk will be high enough for visitors to kayak under.

The design team says building in such a special natural environment brings with it a duty to protect the native flora and fauna.

Snøhetta founding partner Kjetil Trædal Thorsen recognises that building in such a stunning natural environment comes with a duty to protect the native flora and fauna. She says that it was important for them to “design a sustainable building that will leave a minimal environmental footprint on this beautiful Northern nature. Building an energy positive and low-impact hotel is an essential factor to create a sustainable tourist destination respecting the unique features of the plot; the rare plant species, the clean waters and the blue ice of the Svartisen glacier.”

Svart will become the world's first powerhouse hotel.

Powerhouse is a collaboration between Snøhetta, Entra, Skanska, the ZERO Emission Resource Organization and Asplan Viak.