From ferry terminal to architectural innovation
Revholmen (formerly known as Lille Revholmen) originally served as a ferry stop between Tangen on Kråkerøy and Revholmen, before the mainland road was built. In order to obtain permission to construct a commercial building on the site, we initiated a zoning process and prepared a detailed regulatory plan. The public authorities – both the municipality and the county – were looking for a clearer land use strategy for the property, while also setting clear constraints on what could be built.
The site, surrounded by sea on all sides, lies in a unique and sensitive coastal landscape. Aside from the section that was previously developed for the ferry terminal, the land mostly consists of exposed rocky outcrops. Early in the planning process, it became clear that the building needed to be designed in detail as part of the zoning application, to ensure it harmonized with its surroundings. This level of architectural detailing at the zoning stage is uncommon, but in this case, it was necessary to hire an architect and complete a full design before the plan could be approved.
We experienced the planning phase and collaboration with Hvaler municipality and other public bodies as constructive and positive. Our architect, Hysj Arkitekter, designed the building exactly as it stands today – including its shape and placement. Driving south from Kjøkøy toward Vesterøy, you’ll notice how the building’s roof slope mirrors the contour of Revholmen (Store Revholmen) in the background. Coming from the other direction, the structure appears to rise gradually out of nothing, growing in both height and width toward the north.
Designed for sustainability
The building was originally planned to be clad in Corten steel or steel-colored panels, but the shift in societal values since the zoning plan was approved in 2014 led us to seize the opportunity to create something with a more clearly sustainable profile. Naturally, this required changing the color and material of the east-facing wall and the roof to black, as both are now fitted with integrated solar panels. We applied for a dispensation, which was approved by both the municipality and the County Governor.
The building also features high-grade insulation and is heated using geothermal energy.
Even though it would have been far less expensive to build a conventional commercial structure, we are extremely pleased with the result – a sustainable, distinctive, and site-adapted building. Although it’s still brand new – construction began in summer 2024 and completion is expected early 2025 – we’ve already received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the local community and passersby. It’s also rewarding to know that the building is energy-positive. Just 1.5 months into operation, the solar energy system is already making a substantial contribution to the building’s power consumption. Even during these early winter months, we’re seeing a balance between energy use and self-production.
Client Collaboration
From day one, the client expressed a strong desire to maximize the use of the roof and façade surfaces for active solar panels. Ecosol introduced Roofit.Solar at the very first meeting, and there was never any doubt – this was the right product for the project.
Challenges
Corrosion
We’ve long been aware of the limitations Roofit.Solar has when it comes to corrosion – a significant challenge in a country with more than 3,000 km of coastline. This could have been a showstopper for the project.
Luckily, some people see solutions where others see roadblocks. Eirik Flom, CEO and founder of Solar Solution (who holds the rights to Roofit.Solar in Norway), has a unique background as a certified master tinsmith and product manager in the steel industry – and he saw a way forward.
He contacted TATA Steel in Norway, who offer a little-known product called Colorcoat Prisma, rated for corrosion class C5+. The idea was to test this material as a substitute for the painted steel normally used in Roofit.Solar products.
A sample was sent to Estonia for testing. The results were excellent – and just like that, Roofit.Solar was able to offer a solution suitable even for the saltiest marine environments.
Design and Planning
The architect clearly had fun with this one. When we received the IFC model, we honestly thought it might be an April Fool’s joke – there isn’t a single 90-degree angle in the building.
The façade slopes into the ground, and the roof angles in two directions.
The Roofit.Solar app is an outstanding design tool – and this project pushed it to its limits. The Revholmen system was redesigned again and again over nearly two years.
The final version wasn’t completed until the very day installation began.
We knew that on a building over 50 meters long, every millimeter mattered. A small error would have had major consequences for the string layout and number of panels.
We had one shot, and no margin for error.
Installation
Ecosol is one of the most experienced Roofit.Solar installers in the world. They have a dedicated team that specializes in precisely these kinds of projects.
Under the project leadership of Eirik Flom from Solar Solution, the installation began in September 2024. All solutions were meticulously planned and tested in advance to ensure watertightness and proper ventilation.
Every string cable was precisely mapped in this solar puzzle. Battens were carefully inspected for alignment and irregularities. The first dummy panel was “coned” to make sure the orientation was 100% correct.
To ensure maximum safety, ArcBox protection was installed on all solar connectors that weren’t factory-terminated.
The actual installation of the Roofit.Solar system, standing seam roofing, and flashings went like a dream – and the system was up and running by December 2024.
Jon-Ola Pedersen, CEO of Ecosol, says:
“We immediately knew this was a project we had to be part of, and we stretched ourselves on price to make it a reality. With solid planning and outstanding installers, we pulled it off within budget. We spent around 500 hours on the physical installation – and I believe very few others could have done it in that timeframe.”
Project Facts
- Total surface area (roof + façade): 590 m²
- Installed capacity: 78.26 kWp
- Estimated annual production: 68,400 kWh
Monitoring
After the first three months of operation, system monitoring reveals promising results.
“The production estimates generated by the Roofit app tend to be highly accurate. What we’re seeing now in March is likely not due to an unusually sunny month – instead, it’s probably the light reflections from the surrounding sea that are boosting solar production. March had a production 20% over what was estimated and that’s very exciting,” says Paul Rakvaag, Technical Manager at Ecosol.
Eirik Flom, Solar Solution – on Roofit.Solar
“Roofit.Solar is the ultimate BIPV product for Norway. Corrosion isn’t an issue, wind isn’t an issue, and it can be installed even in the snowiest regions.
Add to that: it works on both roofs and façades, fits modern architecture, can be used on heritage buildings, and is based on standing seam roofing – one of the most durable and maintenance-free roofing types. No wonder this product is getting so much attention here in Norway.
We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Roofit.Solar. It’s all about playing to each other’s strengths – and I believe we’re doing exactly that.
This is just the beginning. We are now in process with 10-12 other large scale Roofit.Solar project for the coming years. Starting with Gran Town Hall, which is roughly 200kWp and 3500sqm of double seam roofing. The future is sunny”