Press release -
FREEFORM HEXAGONAL-SHELL HIKING CABINS MAKE THEIR DEBUT IN THE NORWEGIAN MOUNTAINS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FREEFORM HEXAGONAL-SHELL HIKING CABINS MAKE THEIR DEBUT IN THE NORWEGIAN MOUNTAINS
Constructed by the Norwegian Trekking Association, the Cabins Provide a Respite for Novice Hikers
London, UK – January 8, 2019 – The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) recently completed construction of the first of a series of “daytrip cabins,” designed by SPINN Arkitekter (NO) and Format Engineers (UK), to make shorter treks in the Norwegian Mountains less difficult for novice hikers by providing a place to stop-over and rest.
The cabins are relatively small, just over 150 square feet each, egg-shaped, with a faceted stone-like appearance. They are constructed to withstand the demanding wind conditions above the arctic circle while providing stunning views through a large solid window.
Kebony cladding, known for its weather-resistant performance characteristics, was chosen for the unique paneled façade, which will develop a patina over time to match the surrounding rocks and arctic nature.
The project began in the summer of 2015 when SPINN and Format answered the design brief of the Hammerfest DNT with a concept for a hiking cabin that was formed to suit the surrounding nature. The architect’s design was submitted to parametric modeling and simulations by the engineers to create an optimal form, using a minimum of material to cover the desired space. The result was a 3D puzzle of 80mm thick wooden cross laminated timber panels on the inside, clad with Kebony cladding on the outside.
Since June, 42 different DNT members contributed approximately 1,000 hours of work in the assembly of the cabins. The cabin a Storfjellet was completed in July, with another to follow in in early autumn.
Local companies exhibited a fantastic willingness to support the construction of the cabins, through direct financial contributions, special deductions, free work and equipment, lending of tools and equipment, etc.
The Hammerfest Turlag team has been leading daytrips on Tyven and Storfjellet for the past two years and defined a separate project group for planning and implementation of the cabins. The background for the initiative is a desire to facilitate low-threshold trips in the Norwegian Mountains while still providing great views.
The Norwegian Trekking Association is Norway’s largest outdoor activities organization. For 150 years, it has worked to promote trekking and to improve conditions for all who enjoy the country's broad range of outdoor attractions.
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. Kebony is highly resistant to wear and weathering, and although a natural material, the wood requires no maintenance beyond normal cleaning and can stand up to testing conditions far better than untreated softwood.
Architects: SPINN Arkitekter – www.spinnark.no
Engineers: Format Engineers - http://formatengineers.com/
Hammerfest og Omeng Turlag - https://hammerfest.dnt.no/
About Kebony
The company's global headquarters is based in Oslo, Norway, with production facilities in Skien, Norway. The Kebony USA team is located in St. Clair, Michigan, with local representation both on the East and West Coasts. Kebony has received numerous awards for its environmentally friendly technology and innovation, including its naming as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer and a Global Cleantech 100 company. Kebony has been embraced by leading architects, designers and developers, which are served through a global sales and distribution network.
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Kebony is a Norwegian company which aims to be the leading wood brand and technology organization. Underpinned by proven timber modification technologies, it produces an enhanced wood of a superior quality that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
The company's headquarters is based in Oslo, with its production facility in Skien, South of Oslo. Currently employing about 60 people, Kebony has subsidiaries in Norway, Denmark and Sweden, sales representatives in Germany, France, UK and the US and a wide distribution network internationally. Shareholders are leading the venture with private equity investors from Germany, France, UK and Norway. The company has received numerous awards for its environmentally friendly technology and innovation, including its naming as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.
The Kebony® technology permanently transforms sustainable wood species such as pine into Kebony wood with features that are comparable, and in some cases superior, to those of precious tropical hardwoods. This unique environmentally friendly process is also a superior alternative to traditional wood treatment based on impregnation with biocides (wood preservatives). The company’s patent-protected production processes yield products that deliver major improvements in durability and dimensional stability, at the same time as being highly attractive. The Kebony products are suitable for a multitude of applications and designs – encompassing both indoor and outdoor applications.
Kebony’s mission is, through active innovation, quality thinking and understanding of commercial possibilities; give the world beautiful, long lasting and environmentally friendly wood products. The company will show social responsibility and contribute to improvements of the environment in a way that builds a better future.
