Transparent Typographical ‘Teacher’s House’ Facade Doubles as a Sunscreen in Norway

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/norwegian-northface-home-looks-like-a-periscope-peering-over-the-fjord/">Element Architects</a> scooped up all kinds of awards for their Teacher's House in Norway, which features an artsy silkscreen façade designed by acclaimed artist <a href="http://www.arcticbranding.com/jsannes/index.php?subj=2">Jorunn Sannes</a>, as well as a host of groundbreaking energy-saving technologies. Constrained by existing historical structures on either side of what is now the conference block for Norway's Teacher's Union, the designers sat in 75 meetings before the design was finalized and construction was allowed to proceed. But this caution has definitely paid off. Step inside for a closer look at how Element and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Jan-Petter-Dybdahl/100000116931637">Jan Petter Dybdahl</a> created their soon-to-be energy-positive urban marvel.

This striking building is an extension of Norway's Teacher's Union offices

The silkscreen facade was designed by Jorunn Sannes

The main staircase's handrail includes an LED tube for low-energy lighting

Plenty of daylight illuminates this striking building

The facade strikes fascinating shadows inside

Although beautiful to look at, the facade doubles as a sunscreen

Eventually this building will be slightly energy-positive

Ten energy wells in the backyard store energy collected

Tubes in the staircase circulate cold and warm water -- depending on the time of year

The view of the street from inside the double-paned glass facade

The facade's Nordic designer is world-renowned

The view of the building at night

75 meetings were held to ensure the new design would not impact negatively on existing historical buildings