© Søren Harder Nielsen
© Søren Harder Nielsen
© Søren Harder Nielsen
© Søren Harder Nielsen
© Søren Harder Nielsen
In the harbour of the small Norwegian community of Åndalsnes, an unusual building rises above the heterogeneous urban development. With its scuptural form, the new sports centre enters into a dialogue with the mountain ranges of the Romsdal Fjord. The structure has the abstract shape of a rock. This is reinforced by the aluminium outer skin in bronze and silver tones: the lighter-coloured metal sheets, increasing in number towards the top of the tower, suggest the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. With its 30-metre-high tower, this expressive building creates a landmark that is visible from afar.

Situated between the railway station and the landing pier for cruise liners, it is an inviting destination for tourists and at the same time a meeting point for mountain enthusiasts from the region. With its unusual shape – consisting of a low-rise structure and the tower – the development accommodates a number of functions, including a visitors’ centre, offices and indoor climbing walls.