Holmenkollen Ski Jump Soars To New Heights With GKD Metal Mesh

June 16, 2015

Project Name: Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump

Location: Oslo, Norway

Architect: Julien de Smedt, JDS Architects

System Components: Woven-in bar with spring

GKD Metal Fabric: Sambesi, Sambesi PC

The sport of ski jumping was born over a century ago when a Norwegian lieutenant propelled himself over 30 feet into the air. The city of Holmenkollen, a stone’s throw from capital Oslo, has hosted a slew of international sporting competitions since the late 1800’s.

Impressively beating out over a hundred design firms, JDS Architects were commissioned by the Oslo municipality to build the city a new ski jump. The project would replace an older ski jump that was considered below standard, originally costing the city its hosting position for the 2011 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

Yet, with the creation of the new Holmenkollen ski jump by JDSA, the town regained its hosting status for World Ski Championships. In collaboration with Norwegian engineering firm, Norconsult, the new jump would put Holmenkollen on the map as an international sporting and travel destination.

The jump is clad in GKD’s aluminum Sambesi and Sambesi PC mesh. In addition to aesthetics, GKD’s mesh was designed to withstand the area’s harsh weather and protect the athletes on the hill from the wind.

The aluminum and glass structure towers over 190 feet in the air, and cantilevers over 220 feet. In fact, on the first day of test jumping, the Holmenkollen record for longest jump was exceeded.

The design of the jump is spectacular and the use of metal mesh allows for unobstructed views of the slopes’ incredible surroundings. The project is a beautiful example of architecture’s ability to transform cities.