Horten Upper Secondary School stands in the city park Lystlunden in central Horten, accommodating 1,200 students and 200 employees. Completed in August 2019, it was identified at the time as Norway’s most advanced and environmentally rated school building, designed to produce more energy than it consumes. During its planning phase, it became the first school in Norway to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding certification for design, later earning the 2019 BREEAM Award for Best Public Sector Building. Constructed to passive house standards, the school employs extensive wood use and integrates strategies to remain energy positive.
Located in a parkland setting, the school is surrounded by sports, cultural, and recreational amenities. The design comprises four floors plus a basement and rooftop technical rooms to address accessibility, circulation, and logistical requirements. LINK architecture collaborated with energy and environmental consultants to realize a building with a forty percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a reference building of its type.
A focus on wood construction
Sustainable materials guided the design, with wood serving as a primary element both inside and out. Floor slabs and stairs are constructed using massive wood, and the facade cladding and acoustic components in the atrium also feature timber. Additional materials include Glava insulation, rock wool in the foundation, steel profiles with high recycled content, and super low-carbon concrete. The main staircase—measuring 6.5 meters in diameter, 13.5 meters high, and weighing 20 tons—was fabricated in solid Quercus alba by Risa Meyer and is among the world’s largest solid wooden staircases.
Universal design features
All users benefit from inclusive design strategies such as guiding lines that extend from the outdoor area into the building, enhanced luminance contrast for visually impaired individuals, and improved acoustics for those with hearing impairments. Recognizable elements assist with orientation in the atrium, while a bright, open layout helps visitors navigate the interior with ease.
Low-carbon strategies
The building incorporates waterborne, emission-neutral heating, energy harvesting, and solar power, alongside an insulated building envelope and efficient heat recovery. Demand-controlled lighting and ventilation systems are centralized, and geometry is optimized for natural light. Materials with low environmental impact are prioritized, and Life Cycle Cost calculations support long-term efficiency. Photovoltaic systems help the school achieve its goal of operating as a plus house.
Room-level features
Classrooms and other interior spaces use daylight efficiently, rely on LED lighting, and employ external sun shading. Low-exergy hydronic floor heating and cooling systems work in tandem with ceiling-based displacement ventilation. Operable windows allow for fresh air and occupant control of indoor conditions.
