Posten Moderne
Discover Posten Moderne in Trondheim, Norway, a cultural landmark reborn as a modern art museum. Featuring heritage-compatible steel-framed glazing with fire resistance, UV protection, and high security by Vetrotech.
An iconic Trondheim landmark is carefully preserved and reborn as a modern art museum.
Posten Moderne (PoMo) is Trondheim’s new cultural beacon in central Norway, a place where art, design and community converge beneath a beautifully restored roof. The museum inhabits the city’s former main post office, an architectonic jewel completed in 1911. Listed heritage status demanded absolute respect for its historic façade, setting up a rigorous brief: no exterior windows could be replaced.
The solution was as subtle as it was sophisticated. Bespoke steel‑framed glazing units were crafted to slot seamlessly behind the original casements, marrying 21st‑century performance with early‑20th‑century craftsmanship. The client’s priorities that include robust security, generous daylight, stringent UV filtration to prevent fading, and uncompromising fire resistance, are all realised through an elegant pairing of VETROGARD® Diamant and CONTRAFLAM® glass.
This project showcases a combined solution of fire-rated windows and high-security windows, seamlessly integrated to meet both safety and conservation demands. While the fire-rated glazing ensures passive protection and compliance with fire regulations, the high-security windows provide resistance against forced entry, without altering the building’s historic character. Together, they deliver discreet, yet powerful performances tailored to cultural landmarks.
Key Achievements
- Heritage compatible glazing: Maintained original window frames undisturbed while enhancing performance.
- Multifunctional performance: Achieved high-level security, UV control, natural daylight, and certified fire response without altering the historical façade.
- Collaborative success: Vetrotech’s coordination with HFasader and Skanska ensured seamless integration.
- Elegant design integration: The glass solution harmonizes lightness and transparency with protective function.
Key Challenges
- Conservation constraints: The building’s listed status forbade window replacement, requiring innovative in-situ glazing.
- Performance demands: Balancing archival-grade UV filtering, daylight, fire safety, and physical protection within minimal intervention.
- Architectural integrity: Maintaining steel frame sight-lines aligned with 1911-era aesthetics while meeting modern technical codes.
Stakeholders
Erik Langdalen Arkitektkontor; interior IARK: India Mahdavi; landscape: AFRY
HFasader
Skanska Norge
