American Embassy in Oslo – Modernisation with innovative parking solution from WÖHR

The historic, listed former US embassy is being converted into a modern office building with restaurants – WÖHR is supplying a space-saving, fully automatic parking system

The former US Embassy in Oslo, an architectural masterpiece by Eero Saarinen dating from 1959, has been extensively restored and technically modernised. The listed building, once a symbol of American post-war architecture, is now a multifunctional centre with offices, conference rooms and restaurants. With the completion of the new American Embassy in Oslo, WÖHR is once again setting standards for intelligent parking solutions.

The old American Embassy is an architectural highlight in the heart of Oslo
The WÖHR Multiparker 740 stacks 28 vehicles on four levels.

Architectural icon in new glory

The former US Embassy in Oslo, designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and opened in 1959, was once a symbol of the dynamism and innovative power of American society. The building represented post-war modernism with its clean lines, prefabricated concrete elements and open, inviting architecture.


After decades of intensive use and security-related renovations, the building was listed as a historic monument in 2017. The restoration by the architectural firms Lundhagem and Atelier Oslo aimed to preserve the original character while integrating modern standards.

 

Technical challenge: parking space on a narrow plot of land

The biggest challenge of the project was to create parking spaces on a fully developed site. The solution: WÖHR Multiparker 740, a fully automatic parking system that offers space for 28 vehicles on four levels in the basement.
A 12.5-metre-deep underground excavation allowed the usable area to be expanded from 6,100 to 9,200 square metres. In addition to parking spaces, an auditorium, a restaurant and new technical facilities were created.


The project demonstrates how architecture and technology can work together perfectly. The restoration was carried out with the utmost architectural sensitivity and was consistently based on Eero Saarinen's original design. The listed character of the building was preserved while integrating state-of-the-art technology.


A central element is technical innovation: the multi-storey, fully automatic parking system ensures maximum use of space and provides an efficient solution in a confined area. The system offers users maximum convenience – the transfer area is located inside the building and has a bright and modern design. The integrated turntable creates particular added value, as it allows entry and exit in the direction of travel at all times. It is operated intuitively via an RFID system, which ensures simple and convenient use for both visitors and employees.

New uses and social significance

Today, in addition to the headquarters of Fredensborg AS, the building also houses offices of human rights organisations such as Save the Children and Amnesty International, conference rooms, three public restaurants and a café. The redesign shows how historical architecture and modern technology can be harmoniously combined – and creates new added value for the city of Oslo.

 

Technical specifications in detail

  • WÖHR Multiparker 740
  • 28 parking spaces
  • 4 parking levels, each with 7 parking spaces
  • 180° rotating device for convenient parking and manoeuvring
  • E-charging at all parking spaces
  • Platform load max. 2.7 t
  • Vehicle length max. 525 cm
  • Max. vehicle height 210 cm
  • Operation via RFID chip

Press office:

WÖHR Autoparksysteme GmbH
Daniela Wöhr
Ölgrabenstr. 14
71292 Friolzheim

E-Mail: Daniela.Woehr@woehr.de
Tel: +49 7044 46 134

Download press release

Press Release - American Embassy Oslo
to the project Former American Embassy
to the product MULTIPARKER 740