Taraldsgårdsveita 10

Conservation and Transformation
Norwegian Technical University NTNU Trondheim 2018

At the intersection of Taraldsgårdsveita and Kuskveita in Trondheim Norway, is Taraldsgårdsveita 10. The wooden building was originally used as a storage facility for an adjacent furniture store, later becoming a clothing store, and now apartments. There is also a recording studio in the basement. The building has been renovated several times but in accordance to Trondheim’s heritage laws.

Two part course: Project about the conservation and transformation of a residence building in Trondheim, Norway. The first part of the course was to create a conservation documentation of the building for the city’s conservation committee. The second part is a solo transformation proposal for the building. The first part was a collaboration with the architect conservation course with the NTNU's Building Documentation and Archive course (AAR 4825).

The second part of the course is my transformation proposal for a university faculty or institute to occupy the first floor. A university faculty or institute can use the renovated space for more public presence in Trondheim's downtown area. The space is where faculty can gather and socialize with students or industry members, for example. In addition, a department library is integrated and the foyer can have presentations. A second entrance will be restored in the backyard that provides access to a library and meeting place. An additional staircase in the back amends local regulations.

A conservation report was submitted to Trondheim's conservation committee along with the transformation project. LInk to the report.

Verneverdi +

Heritage

Trondheim’s alleyways, veiter, are rooted in the medieval ages where they were used as shortcuts through the town. Buildings such as this keep the atmosphere of the alleyways and are important components in Trondheim’s urban fabric.

The building was renovated several times and its character maintained. The ornamentation were either repaired or replaced with new pieces that mimic the previous details. The windows are modern, providing better insulation from the environment and complies with regulation.The long planks of wood are becoming rare and their replacements are visibly connected using nails. The paint conflicts with wood, collecting moisture. The moisture damage is minor, but in the long run, the wood may need repair.

Old photograph from Trondheim archives.

Part 1: Documentation

The first part of the project was to document the building for the conservation committee in Trondheim. My group surveyed the various rooms and documented the building's conditions. Our report included measurements for the ornamentation and heritage evaluations. On the facade, I measured and drew the floor windows, wooden planks, and overall composition.

Our resources came from occupant interviews, research from Trondheim's archive (branntakst), and from physical measurements.

Part 2: Restoration and Transformation

A university faculty or institute who wish to increase awareness to their activities can create a public interface by moving its offices and library into Trondheim's city center. In the large cities such as Oslo, there are Arkitekteneshus, Litteraturhus that serve the same purpose, but on a larger scale. Their can be seminars and small events held in the premises and there is space for an internal library or archives.

Strategy

I wanted to restore the public oriented facade. Previously a clothing store, the wide windows are now privatized for the apartment. The needs for apartments created a haphazard solution which obscures the windows.

The backyard should be open and repaired. An entrance to the original building was removed and this project restores it. The floor is constantly wet and it should repaired with proper draining solutions. The loft apartment needs an emergency exit and the tenants have to cross to the neighbouring building through two wooden planks. The project introduces a new staircase and furnishes the cold area as a new area for the tenants.

A. Floorplan Changes

B. Institute Space

Back building
The front and back buildings were previously disconnected and this project connects the front and back areas. In the back, a library and meeting rooms provide quietness and a place for work.

Front building

The front has a place for meetings and office spaces.

Presentations can be held at the foyer area.

C. Backyard Facade Changes

Backyard

Windows were re-aligned and new windows put in place for light.

The backyard needs a new floor with good drainage. Moisture damage can already be seen in the basement.

Back building

The back building originally had an entrance and this

renovation restores the entrance with a new ramp.

Inside, the first floor has a meeting room, restrooms, and

a staircase to the new library.

D. New Staircase

A new staircase provides emergency exits to the apartments above. Insulation is minimal and it is compatible with local wood and fire considerations. The new staircase also adds area to the apartments.

E. Sound Insulation and Accessible Door

The back building contains meeting rooms and a library/archive. The project insulates the floor, but only a minimal solution because of the ceiling height.