Bjarke Ingels Group creates groundbreaking furniture factory with visitor centre for Vestre in Norway
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/345899_46720_407937.jpg)
– David Zahle, partner, BIG (photo: Flemming Leitorp)
Details have been revealed for what is being described as the world's most radical and environmentally-friendly furniture factory and visitor centre.
Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) for Vestre, the 6,500sq m factory – called The Plus – is in Magnor, Norway. It will be a "global showcase for sustainability" and highly-efficient manufacturing.
As well as a fully functional factory, The Plus will include a visitor centre and a 300-acre park. The project will be at the heart of plans to develop Magnor into an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world.
Scheduled to open in late 2021 or early 2022, the factory's four production areas – the colour factory, the wood factory, the assembly department, and the warehouse – will be arrayed around a central courtyard that forms the heart of the building. The geometry has been created to provide an open and efficient workflow, while allowing all four wings of the factory to be in direct contact with the surrounding forest.
At the centre of the building lies the experience centre, which provides 360-degree views of the whole production process.
The view from the roof shows how the factory's propeller-like wings form a reciprocal system that creates not only a logistical hub, but a structural nexus.
The factory roof will be open to the public all year round – easily accessible via ramps and stairs. The sloping roof will enable visitors to walk the length of the building, while watching the production processes taking place inside. This allows for maximum transparency.
Those who want to learn more about furniture making can visit the experience centre at The Plus and take a closer look at the factory from the inside. Footpaths continue down to the ground on the other side of the building, where they transform into forest trails that meander through the woods, forming a colourful route through the park and into Magnor town centre.
The area surrounding the factory will be kept completely open to the general public and there will be no fences or closed-off areas. The intention is that hikers will make active use of the park and they will be encouraged to pitch their tents close to the factory.
The park surrounding the factory will offer exciting activities for the whole family. Giant-sized Vestre furniture will form children’s playgrounds, and the area will feature woodland auditoriums, swings, a viewing tower, and picnic facilities.
"In addition, we will build a bridge over the Vrangselv river, linking the Vestre Forest Camp with Magnor town centre," said Vestre.
"Each object in the park will carry a poem by Hans Bjørli, one of Norway's best-loved poets, who spent his whole life living in this municipality."
Sustainable design solutions will include windows with minimal energy loss and an advanced energy supply system combining solar power, heat exchangers and a series of geothermal wells. The building will also be clad in charred timber, cut from the same trees that were felled to make way for the factory.
The Plus will generate 50 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional factory. As a result, it will meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 – and Norway’s enhanced target of a 50 per cent reduction in emissions in the same period.
The aim is to achieve BREEAM Outstanding rating – which would make The Plus one of the world’s first projects of its type to achieve the highest rating.
The Plus will have a supplied energy requirement of 13 kWh/sq m and meet FutureBuilt’s near-zero energy definition of 30 kWh/sq m. In practice, the building will not need any heating until the outdoor temperature falls below 5C.
The Plus will also generate around 250,000 kWh of renewable energy per year, from more than 1,200 solar panels installed on the roof and in the area around the factory.
In addition, surplus heat from production will be used to heat the building. The surplus heat system is connected to an ice-water plant for cooling, heat and cold storage tanks, heat pumps and geothermal wells that provide storage support.
Together, this means the building’s energy requirement is 90 per cent lower than that of a similar conventional factory.
At an estimated cost of NOK300m (€28m, US$32m, £25m), the project will be the largest investment in the Norwegian furniture industry for decades.
"Playfulness, democracy and sustainability is at the heart of the Vestre brand and everything they do," said David Zahle, partner at BIG.
"Working with Vestre CEO Jan Christian Vestre and his team has been the pleasure of a lifetime.
"An ambitious and dedicated client that not only sets the bar high when it comes to sustainability but is a true visionary that wants to change the world, while treating everyone fairly along the way."
Founded in Haugesund, Norway, in 1947, the family-owned Vestre is one of Europe's foremost producers of sustainable furniture. It has supplied furniture to a number of iconic locations – from Times Square in New York and Forum Des Halles in Paris to King’s Cross in London.
In recent years, Vestre has established branch offices in New York, Berlin and London.
It is led by third-generation Jan Christian Vestre from its headquarters in Oslo. Jan Christian Vestre was recently named Norway’s “EY Entrepreneur of the Year” in recognition of his role in the company's phenomenal recent growth.
Bjarke Ingels Norway Magnor Vestre sustainable factory![Jan Christian Vestre, CEO of Vestre (left) and Bjarke Ingels viewing a model of The Plus / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group Jan Christian Vestre, CEO of Vestre (left) and Bjarke Ingels viewing a model of The Plus / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/HIGH345899_685539_162965.jpg)
![At the centre of the building will lie the experience centre, which will provide a 360 degree view of the production process / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group At the centre of the building will lie the experience centre, which will provide a 360 degree view of the production process / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/HIGH345899_301682_792850.jpg)
![The area around the factory will be kept open to the public. Hiking and camping will be encouraged / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group The area around the factory will be kept open to the public. Hiking and camping will be encouraged / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/HIGH345899_588417_179836.jpg)
![Cladding for the building will be cut from the same trees that were felled to make way for the factory / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group Cladding for the building will be cut from the same trees that were felled to make way for the factory / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/HIGH345899_583511_535654.jpg)
![Windows with minimal energy loss and an advanced energy supply system are part of a bid for BREEAM Oustanding status / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group Windows with minimal energy loss and an advanced energy supply system are part of a bid for BREEAM Oustanding status / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/HIGH345899_796907_322155.jpg)
![The factory will be colour coded to support an open and efficient workflow / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group The factory will be colour coded to support an open and efficient workflow / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/HIGH345899_609547_54608.jpg)
![Jan Christian Vestre, CEO of Vestre with Bjarke Ingels at BIG / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group Jan Christian Vestre, CEO of Vestre with Bjarke Ingels at BIG / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/HIGH345899_558664_82258.jpg)
BIG's ribbon-like building will feature a linear park on its roof
BIG and WXY unveil leisure-friendly plans for Downtown Brooklyn
![The Plus will include a visitor centre and a 300-acre park / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group The Plus will include a visitor centre and a 300-acre park / Vestre/Bjarke Ingles Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/THUMB345899_20393_137937.jpg)
![The new resort will be constructed in Magna, one of the five regions within the Neom giga-project / Equinox Hotels The new resort will be constructed in Magna, one of the five regions within the Neom giga-project / Equinox Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353630_62059_888960.jpg)
Equinox Hotels to launch futuristic wellbeing resort in Neom's luxury coastal region
![La Maviglia is owned by Ultimate Collection, a Swiss-based development company / La Maviglia La Maviglia is owned by Ultimate Collection, a Swiss-based development company / La Maviglia](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353614_883337_602129.jpg)
La Maviglia resort and medi-spa launching in Puglia in 2027, designed by Oppenheim Architecture
![<i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox <i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353474_302327_308310.jpg)
Vogue launches first Global Spa Guide – picks 100 of the world’s best spas
![Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353441_374127_63861.jpg)
Japan's first Blue Zones longevity retreat to launch at Halekulani Okinawa
![Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353401_651305_938584.jpg)
Total Fitness to launch purpose-built Women’s Gym
![Ameyalli is set to become a Ameyalli is set to become a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353383_853999_207904.jpg)
Deepak Chopra-backed wellness resort Ameyalli to open among historic Utah hot springs
![Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353320_853183_276818.jpg)
Life Time Group Holdings does US$40 million sale and leaseback deal to fund growth
![The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353273_404980_331768.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton Reserve to land in South America with tropical retreat in Rio de Janeiro
![The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353319_508894_607269.jpg)
Banyan Tree to debut in Caribbean with Oppenheim-designed island retreat
![The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353312_250269_555179.jpg)
Mandarin Oriental’s new London hotel and urban spa retreat opening 3 June
![Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888 Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353303_579850_639654.jpg)
GWI unveils latest edition of Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards to elevate industry practices
![With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353291_520886_805831.jpg)
Merlin unveils record-breaking Hyperia coaster at Thorpe Park
![Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353272_852222_343038.jpg)
Connection, creativity and nature inspire Arizona’s upcoming desert wellness sanctuary Align
![Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353237_656636_774240.jpg)
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
![The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353087_217202_51713.jpg)
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
![Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353000_63020_184996.jpg)
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
![The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352978_189491_463426.jpg)
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
![GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352968_235299_235120.jpg)
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
![Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352928_173701_285534.jpg)
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
![Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352879_963687_24541.jpg)
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
![Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352828_439021_221899.jpg)
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
![A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352818_952381_796315.jpg)
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
![The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352790_952033_494258.jpg)
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
![Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352675_858615_747220.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
![The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352640_564217_450366.png)
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
![Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352645_476299_726112.jpg)
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
![The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352639_655076_803947.jpg)
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
![The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352633_265705_625231.jpg)
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
![Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352629_690884_979904.jpg)
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
![The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352623_421727_382626.jpg)