Protan AS: Building a Norwegian glacier

Just outside of Oslo,a spectacular construction is underway. The largest indoor ski arena in the world is coming to life.
The arena will offer two kilometers of cross country tracks and an alpine slope of 500 metres, as well as children’s play areas, gym and recreation, and cafeteria. The main building will cover as much as 40.000 square metres.
The dimensions of “Snø” (Norwegian for “snow”) are impressive. The four slopes will have a height difference of 90 metres, and will be served by several ski lifts. The daredevils are provided with a big jump-park for spectacular stunts. The children’s play area will have plenty of space for kids of all ages.
Snø promises perfect conditions every day, all year round. The temperature will be kept at -2°C and the slopes and tracks will be continuously maintained. In the main building’s surroundings, both housing and hotels are planned as a part of the total concept.
It is easy to see what the architects have envisioned; the building is to follow the slope like an artificial glacier. To create the illusion of ice, the roof has been designed in various patterns and shades of white and grey. Protan’s SE membrane in three different colours was a natural choice to achieve this effect. These colours will also repeat in the facade of the building, completing the look.