Transformation of the industrial mill in Larvik

Approximately 100 km southwest of Oslo lies the Fritzøe Møller industrial complex. It was founded in the 1540s as an ironworks, which was transformed into a wood planing mill in the second half of the 19th century. Throughout the 20th century, the mill underwent several changes, initially producing semi-finished products for chemical cellulose manufacturing, and later expanding its activities to include construction. One of the most valuable dark natural stones – larvikite – was processed here, which was previously used only for cemetery headstones and later widely utilized by architects for interior decoration, such as in some banks.

The milling enterprise was closed in 2001, and even at that time, the oldest Norwegian company, Treschow-Fritzøe, which has managed the complex since 1986, decided to revitalize it and transform it into a bright space in a gray brownfield. It is the first building seen when turning off the highway from Oslo to Larvik, thus it received appropriate attention. The current appearance of the building is credited to the local architectural firm PV arkitekter. Founded in 1997, its headquarters is located directly in Fritzøe Møller. Also based here is the plumbing company Herman Nilsen & Sønner AS, which clad the original mill building in a larvikite-black ventilated façade from PREFA.

Contrasting Black

Machine-cut, but irregularly perforated PREFA FX.12 façade panels combined with the PREFALZ façade system with a P.10 surface finish creates a traditional yet very futuristic impression due to the chosen shade. Here, the old intersects with the new. It is precisely the contrasting combination of the original brickwork on the southern side of the mill with the ultramodern technology of light aluminum cladding that PV arkitekter, led by partner Kjetil Lønnebakke Tennebø, who was responsible for the mill's revitalization project, values the most. "At first glance, it looks as if the original building has been partially enveloped in a new coat. The slanted transition edge further enhances the contrast between the old and new construction elements. The depth of this contrast is also amplified by the double-wing windows with original design and structure compared to the large-format glass panes."

The choice of aluminum material was not random. The parallel with larvikite is almost perfect. The visual changes depending on the angle and intensity of the incoming light, as well as the way the material is processed, signal how much PV arkitekter cared to preserve not only the original character of the entire complex but also to pay homage to its original focus. At dusk, the façade turns almost golden-brown, while immediately after sunrise, it acquires a juniper-blue shade. This dramatic play of light and shadow is aided not only by the irregular breaks of the horizontally installed FX.12 façade panels but also by the standing grooves of the vertically oriented PREFALZ façade system.

Trust in Mutual Collaboration

Treschow-Fritzøe, PV arkitekter, and Herman Nilsen & Sønner AS have collaborated several times before the revitalization of the industrial mill in Larvik. Thomas Nilsen from PREFA Norway became the fourth equal member of this well-established team when he introduced the idea of using a black aluminum façade with a P.10 surface finish to the project. Besides visual appeal, the main arguments for the material used were its minimal environmental impact and sustainability.

In Norway, it is not easy to ignore a responsible approach to the environment. For instance, more than 80% of the cars purchased in Norway last year were electric vehicles. This indicates how much Norwegians value their natural resources and will not be easily lured by cost-effective yet environmentally harmful technologies or materials. Since aluminum is fully recyclable, and PREFA products are predominantly made from recycled aluminum, advocating for the aluminum façade for Fritzøe Møller was not that complicated.

About the Project:

Object, Location: commercial building, Larvik, Norway
Type of Construction: reconstruction
Architects: PV arkitekter
Realization: Herman Nilsen & Sønner AS
Type of Façade: FX.12 façade panel, PREFALZ
Façade Color: P.10 black
PHOTOGRAPHY: Croce & WIR