Sunndalsøra, located in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway, is renowned for its stunning fjord landscapes and Norsk Hydro's aluminium plant. This village combines natural beauty with industrial significance.

Revitalising the town Following a thorough investigation of various possible sites, the municipality chose a central location for it's potential to revitalise the area and ensure the school is accessible to all of the community during evenings and weekends. Much consideration was also given to how the area could promote walking and cycling to keep transport emissions low in the climate-conscious town.

Architectural quality To fit with the cultural heritage and pristine beauty of the village, the municipality requested that the overall design emphasise high aesthetic and architectural quality for both buildings and outdoor areas.

Building The building will have two floors, housing office space for employees and eight departments for a total of 132 children. Common areas will include changing rooms, kitchens, and sensory rooms.

Unique outdoor area The outdoor areas will be exceptional, featuring an existing and much loved toboggan run for the children to enjoy during winter.

Construction Construction commenced in January 2025 and is scheduled for completion in October 2025. This nine-million-EUR kindergarten will feature spacious outdoor areas and cover 2,600 square meters. Sustainable design and features

The kindergarten will be constructed using a prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) kit of parts, (Sylva™ by Stora Enso) as it can meet both the aesthetic and sustainability requirements and will be able to meet the short window of construction time.

Carbon footprint The kindergarten is designed to meet all the requirements for a Nordic Swan Ecolabelled building. This means the building must deliver 15% better than the requirements of the building technical regulations TEK 17. "To put it simply, this means it is a building that uses little energy and provides a good indoor climate," explains Erik Kvelstad, Project Manager for LAG Entreprenør AS. Source

The Sylva™ elements used in the construction are sourced from PEFC-certified forests, ensuring the timber comes from sustainably managed forests. PEFC is one of the most trusted and widely recognised certifications for sustainable forest management.

Carbon footprint of the Sylva CLT kit of parts Manufacturing: 34 tonnes CO2e Transporting: 10 tonnes CO2e

Advantages with mass timber Carbon dioxide removed from the air and stored in your building 485 tonnes CO2 Emissions avoided by using wood instead of non-renewable construction materials 728 tonnes CO₂e Source: Stora Enso Carbon Calculator | CO2e = greenhouse gases

About the Main Contractor LAG Entreprenør AS is undertaking this new mass timber construction project in Sunndalsøra, aiming to enhance local infrastructure with modern, sustainable building practices. The project will provide high-quality residential units, incorporating innovative construction techniques and materials to ensure durability and energy efficiency. Established in 2004, LAG Entreprenør is a prominent construction company based in Verdal, Trøndelag, Norway, specialising in a wide range of construction projects, including residential buildings, commercial properties, and public infrastructure. Their expertise extends to both new builds and renovation projects, with a strong focus on sustainable practices and innovative solutions.

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