New U.S. Embassy Oslo
When the U.S. mission outgrew the embassy at Henrik Ibsens Gate, Page worked closely with the U.S. Department of State and City of Oslo Planning and Building Agency to develop a new facility with an open, organic design that reflects the important diplomatic and historic ties between Norway and the United States.
A home away from home for more than 200 employees, the 10-acre campus provides a safe, secure, and modern facility for conducting U.S. diplomacy. Emphasizing efficiency and adaptability, the embassy features a leading-edge geothermal system that meets 90% of peak heating demand and 100% of peak cooling load through bedrock-stored energy, significantly exceeding Norwegian standards.
With close access to public transportation, visitors and staff can easily arrive from across the region to enjoy the grounds and explore native plantings and wildflowers. Rich with natural stone, the site features boulders that mimic the geological imprint of the grand Norwegian Fjords.
Awards
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1Award of Honor, AIA Eastern New York
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2Planet Positive Award, Workplace Category, Metropolis Magazine
A testament to Norwegian tradition
An important symbol of the countries’ enduring friendship, the embassy’s design honors Norwegian architectural tradition. As visitors approach the entrance pavilions, horizontal roofs—reminiscent of traditional Norwegian longhouses—are accented by overhanging copper cornices. This copper, mined in Norway, is the same material used to sheath the Statue of Liberty.
Maximizing daylight and function
Inside, natural light pours into the space through expansive windows, maximizing the brief hours of winter daylight and taking advantage of the long days of midsummer. Visitors can join dignitaries at an after-hours reception, while employees are able to work in state-of-the-art offices and conference rooms.
The new embassy far exceeds Norway’s strict energy codes while meeting stringent security requirements, generating significant cost savings through its innovative design. Features like a high-performance enclosure, green roof, and ground-source heat-exchange system create an energy-efficient, comfortable environment for visitors and staff while reducing operating expenses by 31%. The embassy highlights the cultural intersection of the U.S. commitment to building performance and Norway’s longstanding leadership in energy efficiency.
Engineering
Page drew on local expertise to design ground-source heat pumps that enable the building to meet 90% of peak heating load and 100% of peak cooling load with energy stored in bedrock. By sinking 54 double-looped wells with nearly 40 miles of piping through 1,000 feet of hard bedrock, the geothermal system exceeded Norwegian code requirements.
“Together, with the contribution of our team members, we accomplished something truly exceptional. I am intensely grateful to have been a part of it with you.”Gary B. SeibertChief Project Analysis Division
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