Slemmestad cement factory, back in 1967.
A Journey from Cement to Community
Slemmestad, situated 20 kilometers southwest of Oslo, is currently the focal point of our ongoing feasibility study concerning the former cement industry factory site. This study represents a continuation of the competition proposal we secured for Norcemkaia in 2021. It revolves around the redevelopment of the existing workshop buildings and the conceptualization of several innovative new structures. The once shuttered factory premises, spanning 35,000 m2, will soon house a diverse array of cultural and commercial ventures, as well as office spaces and residences.
Reviving Slemmestad's Workshops: A Vision for the Future
The industrial legacy of Slemmestad traces its roots back to the late 19th century with the advent of cement production. In 1968, Norwegian cement producers merged under the banner of Norcem, thereby contributing to the establishment of a new community equipped with vital infrastructure and worker housing within the municipality. The chapter on cement production came to an end in 1989, and today, only the four tallest silos remain in use, serving as a transit point for cement. Additionally, a selection of former workshop buildings, collectively known as L-Kvartalet, have been preserved on the factory site. Some of these structures are presently in active use, housing enterprises like an automotive workshop and the Sekkefabrikken Kulturhus, alongside various other small businesses.
L-Kvartalet: Honoring Slemmestad's Industrial Heritage
The workshop ensemble comprises a collection of six buildings, each characterized by its unique attributes and qualities, collectively spanning an area of 3,800 square meters. These edifices, dating from the 1950s and 1960s, were constructed using concrete sourced from the erstwhile cement factory. They stand as robust and enduring structures, brimming with untapped potential. In the scope of our feasibility study, we aim to integrate L-Kvartalet into the emerging development on the factory site, offering a diverse program and several communal spaces. This transformation will foster a lively neighborhood enriched with restaurants, boutiques, offices, and cultural amenities, all while paying homage to the historical significance of the site. L-Kvartalet serves as one of the last vestiges of the once-mighty cement factory, an integral part of Slemmestad's heritage and identity.
