Culture, Education and Leisure

Čoarvemátta

NorwayContractors: Econor AS

Čoarvemátta - Gypsum International Trophy 2025

Project description

Čoarvemátta, on Norway’s Finnmarksvidda plateau, unites the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sámi High School and Reindeer Herding School. Inspired by reindeer antlers, it blends strength and unity with organic forms and natural materials. Featuring a Passive House design, it achieves 90% energy self-sufficiency and reduces CO₂ emissions by 30%. A skylit central vestibule fosters cultural engagement, while classrooms with scenic views ensure inclusivity. Čoarvemátta embodies sustainability, heritage, and innovation.

Main information

Building size

7 200 m²

Building purpose / type

Theatre & School

Building owner name

Statsbygg

Architect name

Snøhetta
70ºN arkitektur

Contractors

Econor AS

Company name: Econor AS

Main Representative: Kristoffer WARVIK

Number of collaborators: 150

Specialties: Total contracts, Public buildings

Founded in: 2005

Biography: Econor is a seasoned general contractor dedicated to excellence in construction. By employing a substantial team of skilled workers, the company minimizes reliance on subcontractors, ensuring consistent quality across projects. With a strong commitment to workforce development, Econor currently mentors 16 apprentices, fostering the next generation of industry professionals. Collaborating seamlessly with technical contractors and specialists, Econor delivers comprehensive construction solutions. Each project is meticulously planned with step-by-step project execution to optimize quality, with staffing tailored to the project’s scale and specific requirements.

Website: econor.no

Key Challenges

A vast 5,000 m² roof defined by pronounced slopes and curves, fully clad in timber, demanding exceptional precision and craftsmanship.
Numerous tall interior walls featuring angled connections and curved contours, pushing both design and installation teams to their limits.
The intricate coordination required to house multiple functions—educational, theatrical, and public—within the same building envelope, ensuring each space meets strict functional and aesthetic criteria.
A state-of-the-art theatre hall with rigorous acoustic requirements and extensive technical installations, calling for close collaboration between engineers, acousticians, and gypsum specialists.
A professional-grade sound studio demanding advanced soundproofing measures and meticulous room acoustics management, ensuring unparalleled audio quality.
Situated in Kautokeino, known for its harsh and unpredictable climate, the project faced temperature swings from -40°C in winter to over +20°C in summer—each season bringing its own challenges.
Protective measures against extreme conditions and insect infestations were essential, from frost ointment to sunscreen and mosquito repellent, to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Machinery and tools frequently failed in the intense cold, forcing the team to constantly adapt, innovate, and find new ways to sustain efficiency and progress.
Compliance with rigorous Statsbygg directives surpassing conventional regulations, including the use of locally sourced, natural materials that reflect regional identity and sustainability values.
Achieving ambitious environmental targets:
- Limiting construction waste to just 25 kg per m² of building mass and maintaining a 90% waste sorting rate.
- Delivering a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to standard reference projects.
- Incorporating a minimum of three products each containing
  at least 80% recycled plastic, demonstrating a strong commitment to circular resource use.
Upholding stringent labor requirements: a minimum of 40% skilled workers, at least 5% apprentices, and a maximum of 20% outsourced labor. Ensuring these targets were met required securing adequate skilled personnel, managing rotating teams of 60-70 workers, and providing appropriate accommodations to maintain a stable, high-quality workforce.

Key Achievements

A transparent and honest phased production plan—including systematic completion right up to the project handover—proved to be a major success factor. This approach ensured that all functional requirements were met within established timeframes, budgets, and quality standards, providing control and a clear overview of progress at every stage of the project.
Outstanding multidisciplinary collaboration among all stakeholders throughout the entire project enabled effective handling of challenges as they arose. This teamwork resulted in delivering a high-quality project on time and within budget.
Close cooperation with Gyproc/Glava and the acoustic advisor—particularly in areas with demanding acoustic requirements, such as the theatre hall—ensured the high standards were fully met. As a result, the project achieved zero deviations during sound testing.

Sustainability in the project

This project stands as a beacon of sustainability, innovation, and community-focused design, making it a deserving candidate for recognition. With a Passive House design, it achieves exceptional energy efficiency, delivering a high-quality indoor climate with minimal energy consumption. The incorporation of universal design ensures full accessibility for all, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity.
The heart of the building—the main entrance and vestibule—is a vast, open space that fosters connection among the school and theatre’s users, establishing a vibrant community hub. Classrooms strategically face the scenic views, enhancing well-being and engagement for students.
Innovative construction practices, such as precut insulation for 10,000 m², improved efficiency and reduced waste, while the reuse of slate stone from the village’s old primary school adds a meaningful, sustainable touch to the theatre’s gable wall. Natural ground heating enables the building to achieve 90% energy self-sufficiency, supported by ambitious environmental goals, including a 30% CO2 reduction over the project lifecycle.
Further demonstrating environmental stewardship, soil removed during construction was carefully preserved and reintegrated, maintaining the area’s natural ecosystem. This project combines cutting-edge sustainability with cultural significance, setting a benchmark in modern architecture and construction.