Munch Brygge, Oslo

The Munch Brygge housing project is located in central Oslo between the Oslo Opera House and the new Munch Museum. The project was awarded the Oslo Association of Architects’ (Oslo Arkitektforening) Architecture Prize in 2019, and has received many positive reviews in some of Norway’s largest periodicals and newspapers, including Arkitektur N, Aftenposten and Morgenbladet.

Vestre’s involvement in the project relates to the four roof terraces of the buildings, which are intended for use by the community. These communal areas create outdoor spaces of varying size for the benefit of all residents.

-We wanted to provide something for everyone – be it sitting enjoying a book in peace or as part of a larger group looking for a bit more space to move around in. Thus, some outdoor areas only have one seat, while others have long tables and lots of seating,” explains Heidi Borgersen from Gullik Gulliksen AS, the landscape architect responsible for the project.

As a result, furniture was carefully selected in order to give the roof terraces the intended feel. For example, the BLOC sun bench provides a specific zone for relaxing, while the specially adapted FORUM table and APRIL GO chairs create social zones. The APRIL GO chairs also offer greater flexibility – as they can be moved, stacked and arranged as required. The series was initially developed for Times Square and is constructed for use in dynamic urban environments. In addition, it is made to tolerate extremes of use and all types of weather and wind conditions. The seating has even been wind-tested by SINTEF and can withstand 16-17 m/s before it starts to move, which is particularly important on roof terraces and other spaces exposed to the elements.

Another key element of the project was to create lawned areas and tree cover on the roof, as this area provides a garden for residents despite its rooftop location. Perennials and bee-friendly plants have been planted to boost biodiversity and create a pleasant and inviting outdoor space.