Originally designed by Arnstein Arneberg and built in 1938, the City Hall Passage (Rådhuspassasjen) is undergoing an extensive rehabilitation between tradition and innovation. The project carefully balances building conservation, reuse of materials, and modern sustainability requirements. The transformation involves the three connected buildings along Olav Vs gate to Fridtjof Nansens plass and aims to restore the property to its original splendor.
Ytong – flexible and future-oriented
In the rehabilitation, Ytong autoclaved aerated concrete from Xella has been selected for its versatility and performance. “In the City Hall Passage, we have chosen to use Ytong because it provides great flexibility – both now and in the long term. It contributes to efficient progress and precision in the construction process – something that is crucial in a project with tight deadlines and complex logistics,” says Thomas Wæraas, Project Manager at Skanska.
The material is easy to process, simple to build with, and allows for precise construction in complex areas, such as arched walls, narrow passages, and custom solutions. Its properties improve workflow and reduce time and cost for everyone on site.
Environmental ambitions with historical responsibility
Covering a total area of 10,000 m², the restoration combines architectural conservation with sustainability. The building is set to achieve BREEAM NOR Excellent certification, one of the highest environmental ratings in the industry. This places strict demands on both design and material selection.
“This is a signature building with great historical value, and it is inspiring for us at Xella to contribute with smart and sustainable products. Our solutions are designed to meet high standards of precision, quality, and sustainability,” says Thom Erik Pape, CEO of Xella Norway. The project also emphasizes reuse and recycling. Original red plaster in the courtyards and green plaster have been preserved, along with blue tiles on the first floor. Red granite slabs from later renovations will be repurposed as paving stones in the passage.
Efficiency and precision in the heart of Oslo
Rebuilding in the central urban space requires more than craftsmanship – it requires precision, efficiency, and smart solutions. The flexible building systems used in the project allow for smoother workflow and better time management, helping contractors handle complex logistics and tight schedules.
“The materials and systems we have chosen provide gains in both time and costs. They improve workflow and simplify the daily work for everyone involved on site,” emphasizes Thomas Wæraas.
Once completed in autumn 2026, the City Hall Passage will reopen as a revitalized urban space with modern function, enhanced sustainability, and preserved history. It will feature a mix of retail and service offerings, as well as first-class office spaces, while ensuring better accessibility through the removal of steep stairs and ramps.
The renovation demonstrates how historical urban spaces can be carefully restored while embracing modern requirements, creating a model for future projects in Oslo and beyond.