Snøhetta designed the Čoarvemátta school located in Norway's Kautokeino just north of the Arctic Circle. It functions as an educational space and cultural space simultaneously and this was built in collaboration with Joar Nango and 70°N arkitektur. The name of the school is inspired by the Sami words of horn and root, which celebrate the strongest areas of the reindeer's antlers. The school honors the local Sami culture in various ways, hosting the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Reindeer Herding School.
Snøhetta shares, "The building is 90% self-sufficient in energy to heating and cooling thanks to 40 geowells drilled about 250 meters [820 ft] into the ground. The wells supply two heat pumps that both heat and cool the building, while exchangers for the energy wells dump surplus heat back again. On the coldest winter days, the system is supplemented with an electric boiler."
Sustainable Norwegian Timber Schools
Local Cultures Inspire the Čoarvemátta School in Kautokeino
Trend Themes
1. Energy-self-sufficient Schools - The development of schools that achieve high levels of energy self-sufficiency through the use of advanced geothermal technologies provides a template for future educational infrastructures.
2. Culturally-integrated Architecture - Architectural designs that embed and celebrate local cultural heritage create dual-purpose spaces serving both educational and communal needs.
3. Sustainable Geothermal Solutions - Integration of geothermal wells and heat pumps in building designs showcases an increasing shift towards sustainable and efficient heating and cooling systems.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Construction - The construction industry is evolving with a focus on sustainable practices, as seen in buildings that leverage natural resources for energy efficiency.
2. Educational Infrastructure - The sector is moving towards creating educational spaces that double as cultural centers, enriching the community fabric and student experience.
3. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry benefits from innovations like deep geothermal wells, which are crucial for creating self-sufficient buildings.