4B Arkitekter AS: Architectural integrity to last generations

By Celina Tran

A part of the Scandinavian architectural tradition, Norway-based 4B Arkitekter AS has established a reputation for delivering high-quality architectural services across a broad spectrum of projects. From residential buildings to public infrastructure, 4B Arkitekter has a diverse portfolio that reflects its commitment to innovation, functionality, and aesthetic beauty.

The name 4B Arkitekter is an homage to the long history as an architectural firm, stretching all the way back to its original office on Vestheimgata 4B in Oslo back in 1971, when the firm was founded. Since then, the portfolio has grown with various different residential projects, leading culture buildings, as well as restoration projects.

“The team at 4B Arkitekter is highly knowledgeable, with a vast skill set and experience,” explains Nils Halvorsen, general manager at 4B Arkitekter. “Our projects include feasibility studies and analyses, programming and design. We have core expertise in housing, historical restoration, cultural buildings, rehabilitation, and commercial buildings.”

The firm aims to run a versatile architectural practice, with high requirements for both architectural and building quality, all while ensuring that it continues the Scandinavian tradition of simple, yet functional beauty. “We like to see the unique possibilities in each project and want to develop architecture that both we and our clients can be proud of,” Halvorsen adds.

4B Arkitekter AS: Architectural integrity to last generations

The housing project in Langhus. Photo: Hoydefoto

Famous restoration projects

The contemporary, Nordic style bleeds into many of the newer projects, including Perlen in Asker, Fernanda Nissens Gate 3 in Storo, and a housing project in Langhus. While the team likes to work with a simple aesthetic, 4B Arkitekter understands the importance of respecting the historical context of surroundings, and tries to keep this in mind with each project.

“Perlen, for example, is based around a white wooden house architecture, and has been a way for us to take a piece of the contemporary world and put it in a historical context without making historical architecture,” says Halvorsen. That’s not to say they’re limited by the bounds of modern and contemporary work. In fact, 4B architects might be best known for its restoration work, giving new life to old and historical buildings.

One of the projects includes the famous Eidsvoll Manor House, where the Norwegian constitution was drawn up and signed in 1814. “During our work on Eidsvoll Manor, there were several exciting archaeological finds in the vault in the basement,” explains the CEO. “We decided to create a footbridge of steel and glass over the finds, so that the audiences can experience these historical finds too.”

Fernanda Nissens Gate 3 in Storo. Photo: Tove Lauluten

Long-lasting, high-quality and green

Whether restoration or completely new housing projects, the team at 4B Arkitekter works actively to ensure that buildings will last for generations to come. “Sustainability is a constant in everything we do, and we feel like the best way for architects to be sustainable is by creating buildings that last, all while taking care of what already exists,” says Halvorsen.

“Lately, more and more buildings have been made from cross laminated timber and glulam,” he continues. “Looking ahead too, even more of our planned projects use wood as the main construction material, which is more sustainable and efficient in relation to carbon dioxide emissions.”

The company is also a certified Miljøfyrtårn, meaning that the team, like other environmentally conscious businesses in Norway, registers and documents the environmental impact in order to do better. This way, clients, partners and residents who seek a more eco-conscious solution can feel comfortable knowing that all of 4B Arkitekter’s buildings are bound to be long-lasting, high-quality, and green.