Modular diversity: Student apartments by 3RW arkitekter

The entire ensemble, which can accommodate 750 residents, comprises 16 completely prefabricated components grouped around two green courtyards; each block ranges from four to eight storeys in height. A public path runs between the two blocks, linking the adjacent green areas. The city centre can be reached on foot in a mere twenty minutes. The modules are of two different room depths and feature a variety of window sizes and façade surfaces. On the courtyard side, three-metre-wide access balconies connect the individual blocks and serve, along with the rooftop terraces, as informal meeting places. This modular building project, currently one of Europe’s largest, has become a lively rendezvous spot. What’s more, the project scores points for its energy efficiency. This structure’s CO? emissions are 50 % lower than those of more conventional buildings. In addition, the energy consumption should be less than 150 kWh/m² a year. The heating system is connected to local networks, and the entire prefabrication process – including all the technical installations – took place at home in Norway. Naturally, cars are not welcome on the grounds.