The history of Villa Grande began in 1917 when architects Christian Morgenstierne and Arne Eide first designed it. During the Nazi occupation of Norway, the structure was completed and furnished as a residence for the Nazi prime minister Vidkun Quisling and his wife. The building was then renamed Gimle. Following World War II, it became the headquarters of the Allied forces, then an ambassador residence, nursing school, and finally the home of the Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities in 2006.

Inside the Exhibition Space. Image Courtesy of Transborder Studio

Consisting of exhibition, learning, and workshop spaces, the extension is integrated into the landscape, bringing in natural elements to create a contemplative space where new narratives can be created. In designing the further expansion, the architects of Transborder have continued the idea of Villa Grande introduced by its original architects, that of the “castle on the hill.” By working with the edge of the “castle plateau,” the design uses a low-key composition of volumes and openings to retain an interpretation of Villa Grande’s distinctive castle-like massing.

Section. Image Courtesy of Transborder Studio

The building is in constant dialogue with the garden, villa, and surrounding nature. The exhibition and workshop areas are located at the base, with its roof becoming an extended green space. This creates a continuous movement around Villa Grande. The new wing is connected to the central building on two floors, alongside a reflecting pool, which becomes a space for contemplation as well as a starting point for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.  

Rooftop Garden. Image Courtesy of Transborder Studio

Reflective Pool. Image Courtesy of Transborder Studio

• Architects
  

  Transborder Studio

• Project Team
  

  Oystein Ro, Espen Royseland, Peter Brekke Skravik, Espen Heggertveit

• Consultants
  

  Lo:Le landskap og plan, Bollinger+Grohmann, P Nome AS, Norconsult, Fokus Radgivning

• Client
  

  Statsbygg

• Project Year
  

  2020

News via: Transborder Studio.

• Architects

  Transborder Studio

• Project Team

  Oystein Ro, Espen Royseland, Peter Brekke Skravik, Espen Heggertveit

• Consultants

  Lo:Le landskap og plan, Bollinger+Grohmann, P Nome AS, Norconsult, Fokus Radgivning

• Client

  Statsbygg

• Project Year

  2020