Residential units at Korpåsen, Asker

Korpåsen in Asker offers homes to people with reduced abilities. The project comprises twelve residential units. Each unit is self-contained with its own entrance, kitchen, living room, and separate bedroom, bathroom, and storage. The flats are divided into three groups of four units each, all placed around a shared courtyard. The entire project is single-storey. Each residential group includes a common recreational room with a kitchen that can be used for shared meals. Offices, a staff room, and a room for the nightshift employees are also connected to the residences.

The residences are close to a zero-energy standard or better. Solar collectors have been installed on the roof, and eight units have simplified, integrated ventilation solutions. The buildings were planned to innovatively use timber and biomass-based materials in their structural elements and on indoor and outdoor surfaces. Timber improves the indoor climate and reduces construction time, noise, and dust, while the use of massive timber also provides flexibility when outfitting the units with technical aids such as handles and roof railing.

A plan for green mobility treats the area as a whole. Parking facilities for employees and visitor cars are limited, and the parking spaces are shared with the building next door.

The greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials were cut by 52.5 per cent, not least because timber and biomass-based solutions were used. Concrete was also reduced to a minimum by for example using a relatively thin footing. Where concrete and steel were unavoidable, the project used reinforced class A low-carbon concrete with 80 per cent recycled steel.

The greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption were cut by 58.7 per cent. The residential units were designed according to a near zero-energy standard as per FutureBuilt’s nZEB definition, where the supplied energy must be less than or equal to 40 kWh/m² for residence groups 1 and 2, and equal to 85 kWh/m2 for residence group 3. In order to decrease energy consumption and reach these targets, the buildings incorporated rooftop solar panels, energy wells for heating, and natural ventilation.

By contrast, the greenhouse gas emissions from transport were cut by only 11.9 per cent, largely because many of the residents in these assisted living units rely on cars for transport. Nonetheless, the complex facilitates cycling for residents, visitors, and staff alike, and the bus and train station is relatively nearby.  

Low-carbon strategies

• Timber-based solutions for the structures and interior and exterior materials

• Simplified ventilation solutions that require less material and energy

• Energy-efficient building envelope, energy wells, and integrated solar panels

• Use of robust, resource-saving materials for simple maintenance

• Fossil-free construction site

TRANSPORTATION

PROJECT DETAILS

PROJECT TEAM

Map

ATTACHMENTS

• Rapport klimagassregnskap - Boliger på Korpåsen - "forprosjekt"

• C-2.06 Ventilasjons- og energikonsept (17.08.2019, Link arkitektur v/ Arne Førland Larsen)