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Sørenga Sjøbad Merging Nature and Recreation

In Urban Design
April 12, 2024

A Coastal Oasis

Nestled within the heart of Oslo, the Sørenga pier has undergone a remarkable transformation, featuring a new park area seamlessly blending into a picturesque beachfront. Embracing the stunning vistas of the fjord and overlooking the iconic Oslo Opera House, the pier beckons visitors with its allure. The crowning jewel of this revitalization is the harbor promenade, culminating in a wooden floating jetty adorned with diving boards, a 50-meter pool, and a 200-square-meter seawater pool. This coastal haven offers an array of water-related activities during summer months and serves as a year-round recreational retreat.

Architectural Harmony

The inception of a public, floating park was pivotal in the conceptualization of the Sørenga pier’s masterplan. In 2005, LPO Architects (Oslo) and Architect Kristine Jensens Tegnestue (Aarhus) clinched the design competition, laying the groundwork for this architectural marvel. A meticulous balance between functionality and aesthetics was struck to safeguard the new housing on the pier while enhancing its waterfront appeal. The innovative design integrates a division between land and water, where the jetty’s wooden expanse emerges as the focal point, echoing echoes of the pier’s maritime heritage.

A Haven for All

The recreational offerings at Sørenga pier cater to both residents and visitors alike, breathing new life into Oslo’s urban fabric. The beach and seawater pool have quickly become coveted destinations, offering respite in a city undergoing rapid transformation. This infusion of coastal connectivity revitalizes Oslo’s inner city, fostering a renewed sense of community engagement and appreciation for the waterfront.

Engineering Marvel

Spanning 190 meters in length and 28 meters in width, the wood-covered concrete jetty stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity. Weighing a staggering 4650 tons and featuring 5800 cubic meters of water-resistant polystyrene, the jetty exemplifies structural prowess and durability. Universally designed with meticulous attention to detail, the park and promenade offer seamless transitions and accessibility for all. Kebony, a sustainable softwood enhanced through environmentally friendly processes, adorns the surfaces, imbuing the space with both elegance and ecological consciousness.

In essence, Sørenga Sjøbad epitomizes the convergence of natural beauty and recreational innovation, redefining Oslo’s waterfront experience for generations to come.