Føyntaket Shopping Center Residential Expansion in Tønsberg, Norway
Føyntaket Shopping Center Residential Expansion
Timbeco participated in the redevelopment of the Føyntaket Shopping Center in Tønsberg, Norway, as part of a new residential development project. The project added 52 modern apartments on top of the existing Foyn Handelshus retail building. The largest apartment spans 142 m² and includes a spacious rooftop terrace.
Architecturally, this is a very interesting project. The classical and well-known shopping center received a completely new look and became one of the first projects constructed in accordance with Tønsberg city’s new architectural development plan. The design strikes a balance between contemporary urban style and traditional materials, such as wood, harmonizing with the historic city center’s color palette.
Project Details:
- Main Contractor: Skanska
- Location: Tønsberg, Norway
- Building Type: Apartments atop existing commercial building
- Total Floor Area: 4,657 m²
- Architect: KB Arkitekter
- Timber Element Installation Duration: 9 weeks
- Timber Element Volume: 4,000 m²
- Special Components: None
- Foundation Work: None
Façade Elements
Technical Solution
The architectural concept was provided by the client. Since the project is an extension to an existing city-center shopping mall, the building needed to integrate seamlessly with the urban environment and the unique characteristics of the specific block. The technical design and layered structure of the timber façade elements were developed by Timbeco’s design team.
Factory Package
The package included insulated wall elements. Timber element installation on-site took a total of 9 weeks. Openings were pre-installed at Timbeco’s factory, while the impregnated façade cladding was installed on-site.
Challenges
Expansion projects on existing buildings always pose challenges, including site logistics, coordination with other contractors, and weather conditions. Building atop an existing structure requires careful partial demolition of the old roof, ensuring water does not enter lower floors.
Major Logistical Challenge
The building is located on a very constrained downtown site, requiring all crane operations to be conducted with a single tower crane. Large-scale work was completed using prefabricated elements, requiring crane sharing among contractors. Downtown streets are narrow, leaving almost no space for material unloading. Additionally, the lower floors remained occupied during construction, with cafés, offices, and retail spaces still in operation.
