The Kunstsilo in Kristiansand demonstrates how the respectful conversion of a historic industrial building can create a new cultural space. The conversion of the grain silo into a museum means the past can be preserved and provides a modern setting for the art of today. The Kunstsilo is a perfect example of how a creative conversion can use the existing fabric of a building responsibly.
| Type of Building | Art, culture and design |
| Product areas | Windows Facades Sliding doors |
| Schüco Systems | AWS 90 BR AWS 70.HI AWS 50.NI ASE 80.HI FWS 50 |
| Features | Refurbishment Fire protection Smoke protection Design and Aesthetics Famous Building Investors |
| Location | Kristiansand, Norway |
| Completion | 2021 |
| Architects | Backe Sør AS,Mestres Wåge Arkitekter AS |
| Specialist company | NorDan Rubicon AS |
| Picture credits | © alanwilliamsphotography.com |
The Kunstsilo represents a successful transformation of a former grain silo into a modern art centre. Due to its striking appearance, it is considered to be the most spectacular museum building in Scandinavia. In cooperation with Mendoza Partida and BAX Studio, architectural practice Mestres Wåge has carefully revitalised the listed 1930s building and created a piece of architecture that is unique in its spatial experience and shape. The former silo was converted into a huge, open hall with a height of around 20 metres.
The design of the Kunstsilo is a perfect example of adaptive reuse. Instead of concealing the industrial features of the silo, they were emphasised using contemporary procedures. For example, the architects opted for a perforated aluminium skin to cover the original concrete structure, which not only allows a new interpretation of the shape of the original building, but is also an interesting way to channel daylight into the interior spaces.
The main feature of the design is the 30 cylindrical silos with a height of 38 metres, into which a church-like atrium has been integrated. Standing at around 20 metres in height, the newly-created space is surrounded by white galleries spanning three floors, which are used for the alternating exhibitions and open up exciting visual lines through the building. The glazed roof storey, where the characteristic silo cylinders are easily recognisable, offers a spectacular view.
The Kunstsilo is a success story for supporting creative and responsible conversions, as well as for using the existing fabric of the building responsibly. No longer usable as a grain silo, the grey energy of the existing building can continue to be used thanks to its conversion into a museum. The result is a truly unique building that skilfully integrates the building's history as a former silo into the architectural concept of the art centre.
