Powerhouse Brattørkaia by Snøhetta – World’s Northernmost Energy-Positive Building in Trondheim

Powerhouse Brattørkaia, designed by Snøhetta, is a groundbreaking energy-positive office building located in Trondheim, Norway. Completed in 2019, the 18,000 m² project stands as the world’s northernmost energy-positive building, producing more than twice the amount of electricity it consumes daily. Its pioneering design integrates architecture, sustainability, and urban functionality to redefine how cities can embrace renewable energy.

A Landmark of Sustainable Architecture in Trondheim

Positioned on the Trondheim harbor, adjacent to the Central Station, Powerhouse Brattørkaia serves not only as a workplace but also as a renewable energy plant within the city. The waterfront façade, clad in black aluminum and solar panels, reflects in the fjord, seamlessly blending with the urban landscape while symbolizing innovation and responsibility toward the environment.

On average, the building generates around 500,000 kWh of clean energy annually, supplying renewable power not only to itself but also to nearby buildings, electric buses, cars, and even boats through a local microgrid.

Maximizing Solar Energy in Extreme Conditions

Located at 63° north of the equator, Trondheim faces extreme seasonal variations in sunlight. Snøhetta’s design tackles this challenge with a skewed pentagonal roof and 3,000 m² of solar panels strategically placed to capture maximum sunlight throughout the year. During bright summer months, surplus energy is stored to compensate for the low-light winter season, ensuring uninterrupted performance.

Energy-Efficient Systems and Smart Technology

Powerhouse Brattørkaia is a model of energy efficiency and sustainable building systems. Its design employs advanced insulation, intelligent airflow solutions, seawater-based heating and cooling, and greywater heat recovery systems. Artificial lighting needs are minimized through optimized daylighting, while innovative “liquid light” technology adjusts illumination smoothly based on occupancy and activity, reducing lighting energy consumption by nearly half compared to conventional office buildings.

A Healthy and Comfortable Work Environment

Inside, the building prioritizes human comfort and well-being. The central atrium floods the interiors with natural light, creating a public garden and communal hub while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Large glass windows open views toward the city and waterfront, enhancing the workspace experience.

Ventilation systems supply fresh air at low speed near the floor, while low-emission concrete’s thermal mass helps stabilize indoor temperatures naturally. This synergy between architecture and engineering ensures sustainable comfort without compromising energy performance.

Public Engagement and Education

Beyond office spaces, Powerhouse Brattørkaia houses a café and visitor center, open to the public as an educational platform for sustainable architecture. It fosters awareness about renewable energy, climate-friendly design, and future-ready construction strategies.

Global Recognition and Certification

The project has achieved BREEAM Outstanding certification, the highest international standard for sustainability in architecture. By aligning with the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, Powerhouse Brattørkaia demonstrates how architecture can directly contribute to the global mission of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C.

As the northernmost energy-positive building, Snøhetta’s Powerhouse Brattørkaia is more than just an office complex – it is a symbol of the future of sustainable architecture, merging cutting-edge technology, ecological responsibility, and human-centered design.

All the photographs are works of Ivar Kvaal