Recycled Steni Rainscreen Panels Revive 1950’s Building

3,819 35-year-old Steni Panels Were Washed, Recut

Kristian Augusts Gate 13

In today’s throw-away society, innovative architects are seeking ways to refurbish old buildings. That’s exactly what Norwegian architect Noora Khezri from Mad Arkitekter did with a 1950’s building in Oslo threatened with demolition. The result: The building was presented with the prestigious DOGA award (foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway) for its future-oriented focus on recycling and circular construction principles.

“This is a trail-blazing recycling project, where a large share of the materials used in the renovation stems from ordering errors in other projects, renovations of other buildings, or from other parts of the building itself,” explains architect Noora Khezri.

The recycled materials used in the renovation of the building include concrete floor slabs from the government building, grille panels from the Tøyenbadet swimming center, and, in particular, Recycled Steni composite stone rainscreen panels and cladding. At first glance these Steni façade panels, with their familiar delightful colors and modern expression, look brand new – but nothing could be further from the truth.

A Simple Wash Was All It Took To Make Recycled Steni Panels Look Like New

“The STENI composite stone façade panels from the 35-year-old housing association were cut and adapted to match the dimensions needed for the renovation project. In all, we delivered 3,819 processed panels,” relates Ståle Kristiansen, Regional Manager and project management at Steni.

Kristiansen is clearly impressed with the way the building has been rehabilitated and makes no secret his pleasure that recycled Steni composite stone façade cladding was chosen for the project.

“It’s so cool that such a remarkable project, which almost represents a ‘how-to guide’ for sustainable renovation, is clad in our façade panels. And even more so when the panels in question are recycled. The Kristian Augusts Gate 13 project is the ultimate example of how important wear resistance and durability are from the perspective of sustainability and the environment. Here we have a truly delightful and durable façade, just like any other brand new cladding,” says Kristiansen.

Steni continues to be the leader with the best environmental credentials on the façade panel market. Alongside its durability, life span, and many other benefits, Steni composite stone rainscreen panels really can support sustainable architecture, and this case study proves it!

Kristian Augusts Gate 13 Receives Norwegian State Award for Building Quality

A unique reuse project in Oslo has been awarded the 2021 Norwegian State Prize for building quality. The project sets new standards, says Minister of Local Government and Modernization Nikolai Astrup. The award highlights new model buildings that have excellent building quality and are a result of good and innovative building processes.

Kristian Augusts Gate 13 Receives Prestigious DOGA Award

According to DOGA:

“When real estate company Entra bought the modest office building, no one thought it would be a guiding star for the circular construction industry of the future. Entra and Mad Architects set ambitious goals. Could the office building be renovated according to circular principles, by means of reuse of materials and building parts?

“The result is a building with a unique identity and intrinsic value, where craftsmanship and architecture go hand in hand with excellent project management and interdisciplinary cooperation. The project demonstrates that recycling is not only possible but also financially viable – profitable, even.”