When Mjøstårnet was built in Brumunddal, the project was not only about building high in timber. It was also about documentation, early interdisciplinary collaboration and fire-safe solutions that had to work in practice.
Lessons from a pioneering timber building
Mjøstårnet in Brumunddal is one of Flamro Norway’s reference projects. In the interview below, Martin Lunke, Marketing Manager for HENT Innlandet, explains that the project team reassessed parts of the facade after the major fire in London in 2017 [the Grenfell Tower fire]. In this context, Flamro cavity barriers [Firebreather® Cavity Barrier] were used as part of the fire safety solution in Mjøstårnet.
In connection with our seminar in Brumunddal, we visited Mjøstårnet, where we interviewed Terje Arnesen, Property Manager for AB Invest AS, and Martin Lunke, Marketing Manager for HENT Innlandet, about timber construction, fire safety, collaboration and the experience of working on one of Norway’s most well-known construction projects.
You can watch the reference interview below (English subtitles).
A building that put Innlandet on the map
Mjøstårnet has received significant attention both in Norway and internationally. The building is known as a pioneering timber high-rise, and stands as a clear example of what is possible when ambition, expertise and strong collaboration come together in one project.
According to Terje Arnesen, part of the project’s background was a desire to put Innlandet on the map while also highlighting the timber industry and the region’s expertise. Collaboration with companies such as Moelven and HENT was central to making the building a reality.
For AB Invest AS, Mjøstårnet is also an important profile-building. Terje highlights the building’s low carbon footprint, sustainability, and strong position in the market as important reasons why they are proud of the project.
A pioneering project with new challenges
When constructing a high-rise timber building, there are not always ready-made answers.
Martin Lunke describes Mjøstårnet as a pioneering project in which timber was used as the primary material for the load-bearing structure. This meant that the design and engineering phase required extra time, careful assessments, and new solutions.
He highlights two main challenges: fire safety and stability.
Because there were no pre-accepted solutions for every part of the project, the different parties had to work closely together to find good and documented solutions.
Fire safety needed to be addressed early
One key point from the interview is the importance of involving the fire safety consultant early in the process.
Martin Lunke explains that Mjøstårnet had a fire safety consultant involved earlier than is often the case. The fire safety consultant, structural engineer and architect worked together at an early stage to plan the project properly.
This is an important recommendation for others designing timber buildings: fire safety should not be treated as an afterthought. It should be part of the design and engineering process from the start.
Cavity barriers and fire-safe facade solutions
During the project, fire safety became even more relevant after the major fire in London in 2017 [the Grenfell Tower fire]. This led the project team to reassess parts of the façade.
In the interview, Martin Lunke explains that Flamro cavity barriers [Firebreather® Cavity Barrier] were used as part of the fire safety solution in Mjøstårnet. He also explains that the timber was upgraded to a higher standard than what was required at the time.
This shows the importance of combining material choices, documentation, and fire-safe details when working with complex buildings.
A project with significance for the Norwegian construction industry
Mjøstårnet has had major significance locally, regionally, and for the Norwegian construction industry as a whole.
Martin Lunke describes the project as important for developing expertise in the use of timber. Many local companies took part in the project, and the building has helped show what Innlandet and the Norwegian construction industry can achieve.
For AB Invest AS, Mjøstårnet is also a building they use actively in their marketing. Terje Arnesen points out that the building is well visited, fully leased, and has satisfied tenants. This makes the project more than a technical achievement. It is also a living building with clear value for the owner, the users, and the region.
A reference project we are proud of
For Flamro Norway, Mjøstårnet is an important reference project. It shows how passive fire protection, documented solutions, and early interdisciplinary collaboration play a crucial role in modern construction.
The project also illustrates why fire safety must be understood in connection with architecture, material choices, structural design, façade solutions, and practical use.
We would like to thank Terje Arnesen and Martin Lunke for taking part in the interview and for sharing their experience from a project that continues to inspire the construction industry.
