Espeneset Service area. Hovland. Norway. 2022.

Espeneset is a new service area for the National Tourist Roads in Norway. The plot is located along national road 13 which runs through the Hardangerfjord. The program consists of a shelter for tourists offering a spectacular view towards the fjord.

The project combines a roof structure of thin hyperboloid stainless steel sheets with a more enclosed area over public restrooms. The double curvature of the roof is manufactured, then transported to the construction site and welded together using a temporary and adaptable timber jig. At the same time, they are welded to stainless steel columns which are connected to a concrete base slab.

The completed structure has unique dimensions 60 m long, 4 m wide and 9 m tall at its highest point.