The idea of a special concert hall close to Edvard Grieg's house in Troldhaugen is old, but the final decision to take action came with the construction of a new motorway nearby which created noise problems from ever increasing traffic. In addition, the aim was to have the hall completed for the celebration of the Troldhaugen Gentennial in April 1985. The main aim of the design was to conform with the old building and its extremely attractive surroundings.