Snøhetta’s timber school in Kautokeino, Norway, named Čoarvemátta, is a remarkable feat of sustainable architecture, achieving 90% energy self-sufficiency despite the region’s harsh Arctic climate. Located north of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can plummet to –45 °C, the building serves as a cultural and educational hub for the Sami community, housing the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sami High School and Reindeer Herding School. The structure’s design is deeply rooted in Sami culture, with the name ‘Čoarvemátta’ symbolizing the strength of reindeer antlers. Built primarily from wood and featuring a vast 53,000-sq-ft sloping roof, the hub incorporates traditional slate from a previous school and boasts a unique branching shape that creates dynamic outdoor spaces. Inside, the design is functional and aesthetically pleasing, with natural wood surfaces complemented by Sami art that adds vibrant touches of red and blue.
The Čoarvemátta building adheres to the Passive House Standard, a stringent green building standard that emphasizes high insulation and airtightness, making it incredibly energy-efficient. The hub’s energy needs are primarily met through an innovative geothermal system comprising 40 geo-wells drilled 250 meters into the ground, which power heat pumps for heating and cooling. On particularly cold days, an electric boiler supplements the system. The landscaping around the building remains true to Sami traditions, avoiding urban park-like spaces and preserving the natural environment. Soil removed during construction was carefully stored and replaced to protect the existing seed stocks, demonstrating the project’s commitment to sustainability and cultural sensitivity.
