“Bicycle hotels” are one of the cooler results of Norway’s sustainability efforts, as illustrated by the recently-opened Lillestrøm Bicycle Hotel.
Commissioned by ROM Eiendom AS and The Norwegian National Railways, and designed by Various Architects, the 5,000-square-foot building is basically a parking garage for bicycles. Conscious of the space taken up by the structure, the designers included an undulating rooftop park that’s open to the public as a consolation.
The designers’ environmentalist outreach extends beyond the roof, too. The structure’s glass walls allow plenty of natural light, and are tall enough to form the balustrade around the rooftop park. They also reduce lighting costs, and gaps between the wall panels provide natural ventilation.
Even the roof plays a dual role; like more conventional rooftop gardens, it absorbs rainwater and helps cut back on HVAC costs. Along with its inviting combination of furnishing, vegetation, stairs and slopes, the rooftop park also provides visitors with a panoramic view of Lillestrøm.
More of these structures are planned for Norway, and will be paired with the country’s rail system to incentivize both bike and rail travel.
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