Ladehammeren

Urban renewal of a maritime college in the Trondheim harbour are

Ladehammeren stands out in Trondheim for its unique combination of fjord views, sunshine to the west, and a stunning south-facing panorama of the city center. Positioned as a natural extension of downtown, it boasts potential for vibrant urban life and proximity to the scenic Ladestien trail and Trondheimsfjord, offering a serene yet connected living experience. While many recognize the iconic brick building on the hill, its secluded setup and challenging topography leads to limited accessibility. As Trondheim expands, reimagining this space could unlock its value for broader enjoyment.

Envisioning Ladehammeren as the urban crown jewel of Trondheim's northeast, we propose a respectful and sustainable transformation. By revitalizing and adding buildings, creating communal spaces, and enhancing the landscape, Ladehammeren is set to become a dynamic destination for living, working, and leisure in the city's future.

TYPE OF PROJECT: Transformation, Housing, Landscape
LOCATION: Ladehammeren, Trondheim, Norway
CLIENT: Ladehammeren AS COLLABORATORS: JSTA
SIZE: ca. 24 000 m²
PROJECT STATUS: Competition proposal

The Urban Fabric

The site is opened towards the fjord, offering views, breaking down scale, and enabling a route through the area, creating three unique neighborhoods with diverse characters. These areas aim to be vibrant meeting spots, transitioning from urban to rural settings, while integrating Ladejarlen's historical elements.

Diverse housing

A diverse set of housing options is introduced, ranging from compact apartments to terraced houses. Existing structures will be transformed to unique apartments unlike any in Trondheim. Distinct neighborhoods are designed to accommodate people at various life stages. The outdoor spaces, accessible to residents and visitors alike, will seamlessly integrate with the stunning natural surroundings.
Living in Ladehammeren will breathe life into the area throughout the day, enhancing safety and social interaction for both locals and visitors. A larger residential population also bolsters the local economy, supporting businesses and attractions that benefit the broader community

«Transformation of existing building structures are an integral part of sustainable urban renewal. At Ladehammeren our concept was a simple and straightforward strategy to re-use and reprogram the existing school buildings on site, creating new neighborhood identities around a defined set of public outdoor spaces. Sustainable energy solutions, combined with active re-use of materials resulted in a pragmatic and site sensitive architectural response that also actively integrated the natural coastal landscape flora into the urban fabric of this site, in close proximity to the harbour area of Trondheim.»

Partner at A-lab, Erik Olav Marstein

Concept

Three different urban spaces with different character and functional mix form sequences of unique neighbourhoods, which connect and create a strong link between the city in the south and nature in the north.

Square surrounded by people and buildings — Illustrations: A-Lab

The area from Nyhavna to Ladejarlens Plass is transformed into a dynamic urban center, blending public amenities with both new and refurbished structures to create a vibrant community hub. The project promises panoramic city and fjord views and acts as a gateway to various neighborhoods, integrating residential and natural spaces. Central to the redevelopment is the adaptive reuse of the iconic main building, which includes a tower block and restaurant, enhancing its historical and aesthetic appeal by opening up its structure and repurposing its roof as a public attraction. The demolition of old school buildings between Buildings A and B makes way for a multi-level urban space designed for community gatherings and events, enriched by daylight and fjord vistas.

“Ladejarlens plass“

Further enhancements include the extension of the circular pavilion’s arch, integrating it with an outdoor staircase, and maintaining the west-facing restaurant's panoramic views, now accessible to the public. The tower block is set for an upgrade, adding a floor to create a multifunctional space with housing options. The main building’s transformation into a learning center emphasizes food, cultivation, and nature, complemented by co-working spaces, a grocery store, and specialty shops to reduce transport needs. Rooftop and nearby public spaces are designed to distinguish between private and public areas, fostering a cohesive community environment

Maskinkvartalet is envisioned as a unique and intimate urban neighborhood, integrated into the existing fabric of buildings B, C, and D. By opening up the neighborhood and establishing free passage from north to south and east to west, the project ensures seamless integration with the surrounding spaces. A sunny and inviting courtyard is created at its heart, surrounded by diverse housing types, from studio flats to terraced houses. The strategy includes densifying the building structure around the courtyard while preserving the architectural footprint and height of Building B as much as possible. This approach not only respects the neighborhood's historical and cultural significance but also promotes a varied living environment.

Maskinkvartalet

The intimate neighborhood

The project proposes to reuse or adapt existing structures and roofs, in collaboration with conservation authorities. Buildings within Maskinkvartalet, such as Maskinhallen (Building D) and Paviljongbygningen (Building B), will undergo transformations to serve new functions while enhancing the narrative of the space. Maskinhallen is set to become a cultural hub, offering flexible spaces for community events, while Paviljongbygningen will be converted into an apartment complex, adding a distinctive character to the neighborhood. Building C's transformation into terraced houses and apartments aims to maintain a coherent streetscape, contributing to the overall vibrancy and appeal of Maskinkvartalet as a living, breathing part of the city.