Norwegian Scenic Routes, an initiative by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration is a cultural project that unites architects, artists, designers and craftsmen around a common goal of creating experiences and destinations with nature as a backdrop along selected roads in Norway.
Espenes Rest Stop is one such attraction/intervention. Located on Highway 13 that winds along the fjord, the design is inspired by its surroundings – the water, the mountains and the wind conditions with the lighting inspired by the moonlight and flame.
The waves in the metal are based on calculations of the impact of wind forces on the structure, the roof surface expresses the horizontal, mirroring fjord and the high mountain peaks. The lighting is inspired by the place and nature – the moonlight that hits the glacier and mountain peaks in contrast to the warm light that belongs to the cave and to us humans.
The lighting was curated to work with the structure to create a space that does not drown out the surroundings, but reinforces the connection between architecture and landscape. The form is accentuated and interpreted by the light. The architectural elements that allude to the natural landscape are illuminated by a dim, cool light, while the toilets and interior space is bathed in a warm light.
The rest areas along the tourist routes are intended to be functional stops and at the same time are experienced as moments of pause on the journey while also being landmarks. Highway 13, which leads past Espenes, is not illuminated and Light Bureau has worked to find the right balance in light intensity to highlight the building as a landmark without disturbing the view over the fjord or up towards the mountains. The parking lot is not illuminated to limit the negative consequences of adding light to the area.
The 6mm hand shaped metal roof and wall surfaces of the building meant that all technical installations and cabling had to be cast into the concrete deck. The lighting of the 50-metre-long ceiling surface is asymmetrical and is experienced differently depending on the direction from which the building is observed. The reflections in the metal further contribute to creating a changeable expression in the construction both when passing the rest area and staying on site. The light levels in general are dimmed to limit the impact on the surroundings, and to minimize glare so that the view from the rest area is maintained.
To achieve functional lighting in the toilets, each washroom was equipped with a special steel and acrylic bollard that acts as a floor lamp and provides a soft light to the room. The luminaire works together with light in the door leaf, which is made of steel and tempered opalized glass. Both luminaires respond to the control signal from the lock system in the doors triggering a change of light intensity based on usage. This minimizes light consumption during periods when the toilets are not in use.
The Espenes rest stop has been well received since it opened, offering a moment of pause among the steep mountains with pristine views of the Fjord through a unique architectural expression to which lighting is a companion.
