Talgø: Creating innovative products and design in western Norway

By Molly McPharlin

AA family-run company set in Todalen, a picturesque village in western Norway, Talgø has immersed itself in wood since it was founded by Thore and Thora Talgø in 1899. Today, Talgø supplies pre-treated, ready-to-use timber to both the construction industry and private buyers. Especially popular is its impregnated wood, MøreRoyal, which is – with its modern architectural lines, smooth edges, and sleek look – ideal for contemporary building.

Originally a furniture company, Talgø created the first power station in its region and has a history of valuing innovation and product development. “From small, private cottages to large public buildings, Talgø is involved in many different projects. The Nordic tradition of building with wood has been preserved using modern materials like MøreRoyal, a royal impregnated wood that gives an exclusive look to our finished products,” says Janne Rangnes, head of marketing at Talgø. Talgø’s MøreRoyal is used for cladding, roofing, terraces and decorative work.

Decking on Eventyrlig Oppussing designed with Talgø. Photo: TMM Productions

Lasting beauty

Wood impregnation is an indispensable way of protecting construction from external influences. It significantly extends the life and pristine appearance of wood. It keeps moisture from penetrating wooden structures and protects it against insects and other microorganisms. Talgø’s MøreRoyal has been used in building projects all over Norway. “It’s popular in areas that have particularly harsh weather along the coast,” says Rangnes. “This underlines the quality of the product. With climate change, we believe that the need for cutting edge materials will increase over time.”

From buying timber, through the production process and to the finished product, one of Talgø’s goals is sustainability. MøreRoyal is sustainable because it has an extremely long lifetime with extended intervals between maintenance.

Talgø helps to create modern and innovative design. Photo: TalgøMøreRoyal/Lediard Foto AS

Award-winning architecture and TV fame

Talgø does not have in-house architects. Instead, the company works with a variety of people to see a project to fruition. With MøreRoyal seen as a preferred material in the building industry, architects look forward to working with Talgø and often invite them to collaborate on specific projects. Talgø has also worked closely with the Norwegian television design programme Eventyrlig Oppussing (Adventurous Renovation), which uses MøreRoyal in all their outside space design.

Photo: TalgøMøreRoyal/ Lediard Foto AS

Talgø likes to involve itself in lots of different types of activities. “We like to say that no project is too small or too big,” says Rangnes. Some have brought a genuine element of excitement with them. “An example of this is Romsdalsmuseet Krona, an award-winning architect-designed building in Molde on the west coast of Norway. It’s fantastic, and Talgø MøreRoyal delivered the entire facade.”