This Arctic Norwegian Hotel Will Produce More Energy Than It Uses

Snøhetta

Above the Arctic Circle, there’s some super cool innovation happening. This Norwegian hotel will produce more energy than it uses — and it’s pretty spectacular to look at, too.

Created by visionary design firm Snøhetta, the new “Svart” hotel will reduce annual energy consumption by 85 percent (compared to the average hotel). Pushing the bar even higher, the hotel will actually produce extra energy.

Snøhetta

Let’s talk about that energy positive goal. The designers figured out how to use solar power to harness the energy of the sun during the months when it shines down on northern Norway. (Since the hotel is so far north, the winter months get less direct sunshine.) There are solar panels everywhere on the building.

The hotel also uses geothermal wells to heat the building. No electric or gas heating here! Plus, they decided to build predominantly with wood because building with this natural resource doesn’t require fossil fuels.

Snøhetta

The name “Svart” means “black” in Norwegian but also pays homage to the nearby Svartisen glacier. The building is a partial circle extending from the shores of the Holandsfjord into the water. Its panoramic view of the mountains and forest is meant to blend the hotel harmoniously into nature. The wooden slats holding up the hotel were inspired by traditional fishing structures and there’s a boardwalk that wraps along the exterior.

Snøhetta

During the summer, visitors can walk around the boardwalk or kayak under it. And when the rooms are up and running, the goal is to use an energy-neutral boat shuttle to reach the fjord hotel.

Eco-dreamers, put this one on your hotel wish list.