Glasblokkene

Glasblokkene – Haukeland’s Glass Hospital for Children, Youth & Women, Bergen


PROJECT 
OVERVIEW

Glasblokkene is an inspiring healthcare landmark within Haukeland University Hospital, brought to life through a collaboration between KHR Architecture, Henning Larsen, PKA, and Schønherr. Completed in two phases (2016 and 2023), the facility comprises eight elegant glass volumes, nestled into the hillside at the foot of Mount Ulriken

Poetic & Purposeful Vision 🌿
This hospital is conceived as a sanctuary for children, youth, and women, designed to preserve the wonder of childhood even within clinical care settings. Each slender glass block is thoughtfully aligned to optimize daylight, frame therapeutic views, and respond sensitively to scale—both human and environmental

Transparent Integration & Wayfinding
Bridging these volumes are luminous glass walkways that guide patients and staff effortlessly through lounges, auditoria, and communal stair plazas. Each block features a distinct accent color—yellow, blue, turquoise, or green—to aid intuitive navigation and instill a sense of place

Holistic & Healing Spaces
Drawing from nature and play, the interiors are grounded with natural woods, bespoke furnishings, and strategically placed parent beds in patient rooms. Communal zones open to outdoor gardens, offering space for play, reflection, and respite. These “healing gardens” and playful art features—like tactile ‘pearls’—reinforce a child-centered environment

Cutting‑Edge Digital Efficiency
As one of the world’s first fully digital hospital constructions, Glasblokkene was executed entirely via digital modelling and BIM workflows, seamlessly integrating a digital twin for real-time coordination, asset management, and future operation

. These innovations enabled a timely, on-budget delivery with lower embodied carbon, earning the project top energy ratings and commendations in Norway and beyond