Parallel Norway

Create the right work environment with acoustic ceiling

In the new district Hovinbyen in Løren, Oslo is the Parallel office building located. With 19,500 sqm building, the focus is to create the right working environment where the employees thrive, feel comfortable and happy. Therefore, it’s important for Parallel that the building is certified following the International WELL Building Standard.

The project has the WELL Core Gold Pre-Certification, and the aim is to achieve BREEAM NOR Excellent certification as the building has strict environmental requirements throughout its life cycle. It includes limited use of chemicals, great emphasis on recycled materials and energy-efficient solutions.

Rockfon delivered 15,650 sqm acoustic ceiling solutions for the office. 

When acoustic comfort can bring well-being in focus

In 2014, the WELL Building Standard was launched and had the aim to highlight human health in public spaces like schools and offices. Scientific research in environmental aspect and behaviour and demography are integrated into the leading practices in the building design and management.

The District Manager of Rockfon Norway, Steinar Nygård emphasise on how important the indoor climate is for the wellbeing:
“We spend more than 90 % of our time indoors, and it makes it highly important to consider the design and the materials applied in the buildings that people live in. With the WELL Certification, the goal is to create a workplace where people thrive. It’s great to be a part of this prestigious project. And especially to be a contributor to the first WELL-certified project in Norway.”

Project Manager and Calculator at Acusto AS, Haidar Hassan highlights the good collaboration with Rockfon, and how they knew that Rockfon ceiling would meet their strict requirements:
“Rockfon has been great and contributing help throughout the project. They have helped Skanska and us to find sustainable, economical and efficient solutions. We are very pleased with the result. Rockfon has contributed with acoustic ceilings that can be 100 % reused, which reduces large amounts of waste. The acoustic ceilings from Rockfon meet the building’s strict environmental requirements.”

The future way of thinking is acoustic and environmental

The general manager of Rockfon Norway, Jonny Ass highlights that the WELL Construction Standard is the future way of thinking: “As a supplier to the construction industry, we want to take responsibility. Sustainability has become crucial, and we are constantly working to adapt and adjust to meet the future. For many years, we have to work for green buildings, but the sustainable way of thinking also include social sustainability. People have the right to feel good at work, and this includes good acoustics and a good indoor climate.”

He continues to state how well-being and staff performance have a more significant impact when designing and drawing buildings: “In recent years, researchers have documented a clear correlation between well-being at the workplace and an increase in staff productivity and a significant decrease in stress levels and sick leave. There is a factor that is seen directly on the bottom line. And considering that 90 % of the cost in a building is employee-related, we are not talking about a small amount.”

The considerations made during the design of a building have an important impact on the employees' future performance and the building's maintenance. Parallel will be completed in autumn of 2020; although the relocation will not take place until 2021.

Rockfon Sonar has been replaced by Rockfon Blanka® - our whitest ceiling tile. Rockfon Blanka® | Deep matt, super white acoustic ceiling tile

Visit WELL Health-Safety Rating | IWBI to get more information about healthy buildings.