PIR2: Valle Hovin is a popular recreational site in Oslo, where visitors of all skill levels can come to skate in the wintertime. The ice rink is located along Oslo’s “green ring” and is part of an extensive park and sports complex. In 2023, the original ice rink from 1967 was demolished and replaced with a new ice surface and modern technical facilities. The rink has been raised and moved several meters from its original position to enhance integration with the surroundings and to prepare for a future hall over the rink. Facilities such as changing rooms, a kiosk, rental services, and parking are shared with the nearby sports facilities.
Park and Runway
A key premise from the outset was that the new ice rink should become part of the public park. The topography around the rink has been emphasized, and the park has been expanded around the rink to shield and connect it to the surroundings. The park offers opportunities for recreation and outdoor training and is used as a local community facility by neighbours, as well as students from nearby schools and kindergartens.
The runway is an active urban space between the ice rink and the stadium, leading visitors to the main entrance. It consists of a continuous training and play area that complements skating with additional activities. A red colour palette, referencing the historic colours of the old Valle Hovin, creates a visual connection to the area’s history and adds warmth in contrast to the cold concrete surfaces and ice.
Blue-Green Infrastructure
Stormwater from the park is directed to several rain gardens and managed openly. Meltwater and stormwater from the ice rink are also openly directed to a large circular area with rain gardens, where the water is retained and infiltrated. A wooden deck encircles the rain garden, inviting visitors to linger around the vegetation. Reclaimed concrete from the old ice rink create pathways encouraging exploration of the area. Variations in the topography create three different ecosystems: one with permanent water, one that holds water during rainy periods, and one that only floods during extreme weather events. The ice rink is designed to function as a large, open retention basin during extreme flood periods.
Vegetation and Biodiversity
The vegetation frames the ice rink, providing both clarity and a sense of shelter from the surrounding projects. An existing pine forest has been preserved as an important part of the park and supplemented with additional pine trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials. The planting includes a large proportion of local plants that are native to the area of Oslo and beneficial to insects. A salamander wall along the entire park, as well as two large salamander hotels, was established before construction began to provide new habitats for the salamanders that previously hibernated under the old stadium.
Project management, landscape architecture, architecture: PIR2
Engineering: Multiconsult AS
Builder: Håndverkskompaniet AS
Project location: Innspurten 12, 0663 Oslo, Norway
Design year: 2017-2024
Build year: 2024
Photographer: Arkitekturfoto by Montag
Illustrations: PIR2
