The Golden House Observatory
Norway’s ‘Crystal Dome’ gives visitors a unique window to the world.
When you run an attraction in an area of outstanding natural beauty you want to give your visitors the best views possible.
That is why Norwegian artists Arthur Adamsson and Bjorg Bjoberg chose us to build a SOLARDOME® Haven right on top of their museum-gallery, which also has a coffee shop.
Not only did this give visitors the perfect vantage point to admire the snow-covered mountains and famous Fjords, it also enabled the two proprietors to create commercial space where before there was none.
Local area and reaction
The municipality of Balestrand is dotted with pointed and flat roofed buildings. That is until your eyes reach Det Gylne Hus, or The Golden House, which now provides the perfect skyline contrast with its glass dome observatory.
The unique addition officially opened to the public in June 2010, attracting interest from Balestrand’s local newspaper, ‘Nyhende’, which described it as: ’the crystal dome – a first for Norway and a symbol of hope’.
In their own words
Proud owner Arthur explained: “We were attracted by the beauty of the Solardome® glasshouse and the impact it would have against the dramatic landscape of the Fjords. It started as a wild idea, but today our house on the quay has its very own window to the world.”
“The Solardome® glasshouse adds an artistic element to the house, in keeping with the gallery itself. We have had a fantastic response from the local community and visitors – it is unique,” he added.
| Location | The Golden House, Balestrand, Norway |
| The challenge | To provide a roof top seating area for visitors that afforded the best views of the surrounding Fjords. |
| The solution | SOLARDOME® Haven |
| Dome specification | 3-frequency geodesic dome Diameter – 4.61m/15′ 1″ Height – 3.05m/ 10′ 1″ Volume – 34m3 / 1200ft3 Area – 16.69m2 / 179.65ft2 |
Related Case Study
Centre for Alternative Technology
The Solardome® glasshouse, within the school gardens at CAT, is used as a colourful climate change display engaging visitors of all ages.
Find out more