June 2017
Officials Dedicate New U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway
(Photo credit: US Embassy Oslo)
OSLO, NORWAY – The U.S. Department of State, Chargé d’Affaires James P. DeHart and Norwegian officials officially opened the new U.S. Embassy in Oslo during a ceremonious ribbon-cutting.
Built by Walsh Construction and designed by EYP Architecture, this multi-building complex resides on 10-acre site and provides a safe, secure and modern facility for U.S. diplomacy. The facility also includes a chancery, an underground support annex, three entry pavilions, Marine security guard quarters and offers state-of-the-art work space for over 200 embassy employees.
The new embassy embodies green design and construction, having achieved LEED Gold certification for numerous sustainable elements. Environmental features included the restoration of a seasonal stream that runs through the site, green roofs, preservation of existing landscape, maximized use of natural light and a ground-source heat exchange.
The restored stream and ground source heat exchange system enable the building to meet 90 % of peak heating load and 100 % of peak cooling load with energy stored in bedrock by the heat pump, a renewable resource.
The design complements Norwegian architectural tradition, including horizontal roofs that are typical of a traditional Norwegian longhouse. The design also includes natural stone, weathered copper facades and extensive natural landscaping.
A release from the Department of State states since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has completed 133 new diplomatic facilities, with an additional 52 projects now in design or under construction.
OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture and construction execution.