Officials Dedicate New U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway

OSLO, Norway – The U.S. Department of State, Chargé d’Affaires James P. DeHart and Norwegian officials opened the new U.S. Embassy in Oslo during a recent ceremonious ribbon cutting.

Built by Walsh Construction and designed by EYP Architecture, this multi-building complex resides on a 10-acre site and provides a safe, secure and modern facility for U.S. diplomacy. The facility also includes a chancery, an underground support annex, three entry pavilions, Marine security guard quarters and offers state-of-the-art work space for over 200 embassy employees.

The new embassy embodies green design and construction, having achieved LEED Gold certification for numerous sustainable elements. Environmental features included the restoration of a seasonal stream that runs through the site, green roofs, preservation of existing landscape, maximized use of natural light and a ground-source heat exchange.

The restored stream and ground source heat exchange system enable the building to meet 90 percent of peak heating load and 100 percent of peak cooling load with energy stored in bedrock by the heat pump, a renewable resource.

The design complements Norwegian architectural tradition, including horizontal roofs that are typical of a traditional Norwegian longhouse. The design also includes natural stone, weathered copper facades and extensive natural landscaping.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Oslo.