JVA’s Norwegian Truck Weigh Station Above the Arctic Circle Features a Green Roof!

<a href="http://www.jva.no/projects/medium/gullesfjord-weight-control-station.aspx">JVA</a> has designed the <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/242355/gullesfjord-weight-control-station-jva/">Gullesfjord Weigh Station</a>, a green-roofed weigh station that stays true to Scandinavian design. Located 870 miles north of Oslo and 250 miles above the Arctic Circle, the truck inspection station connects the Norwegian mainland to Vesteralen Island, home to one of the country’s most remote and untouched national parks.

The site aims to stay as integrated within the local fragile environment and present minimal distractions. This approach works especially well during the long Arctic winters.

The splashes of orange and reds brighten this functional yet stunning weigh station. Yet it does not completely mar the endless vistas of birch forests and Norway’s spectacular Arctic fjords, and offers a pinch of color during the long local winters.

With the growing exploration for natural resources within the Arctic region, more truck transportation will run through Gullesfjord and therefore a control station for freight transportation was needed. JVA also wanted the design to be as benign as possible.

The project is the first step in the eventual construction of a gas station, cafe and tourist facilities in the coming years. As the economy in this region booms due to the exploration for resources in the Arctic, Vesteralen Island and the surrounding areas will attract more tourists.

JVA, an Oslo-based group of architects that leads small and large building projects alike, designed the building so innocuously that from some angles up close the station is not readily visible. As the highway winds towards the weigh station, it is barely noticeable.

A green roof softens the visual impact while blending with the local surroundings. The Gullesfjord Weigh Station is an important link between the mainland and Norway's Vesteralan Island.

Inclined concrete columns are angled to mirror the angles of local mountains while concealing the east-facing glass facade. Meanwhile views of the alpine forest are unspoiled.

It is to the local terrain of fjords and mountains that this functional yet innocuous truck stop stays true to form. The angled roof mimics the rugged landscape

Compact at 3300 square feet, the station maximizes the space available to include room for a weigh station and enough room so that three or four employees can work comfortably. The weigh station is in operation during certain parts of the year.

The station is tall enough to accept the tallest of trucks. Meanwhile visitors and employees have views of the Moysalen National Park’s alpine landscape.