PR: Iconic Ski Jump in Norway, Outfitted with GKD’s Woven Metal Mesh, highlighted in Metal Building

New ski jump balances both design appeal and functionality 

Metal Building Developer

May/June 2009

Scope: Norway’s most recognizable mountain, Oslo’s famous Holmenkollen, now boasts a newly rebuilt ski jump, which has already been honored as the chosen site for the Nordic World Ski Championships. Renovated 18 times since its opening in 1892, the old ski jump no longer met the requirements of the Fédération Internationale de Ski. Now, it meets ISF regulations and also stands out as a modern architectural marvel. Designed to withstand harsh winds and symbolize the success of the Norwegian capital, the new Holmenkollen is clad with stainless-steel woven metal mesh from GKD-USA Inc. GKD is located in Cambridge, Md.

Details: Julien de Smedt with JDS Architects, Oslo, designed the new Holmenkollen as an HS 134 jump hill that balances both design appeal and functionality. A crucial element in the rebuilding process was meeting requirements that protect ski jumpers from harsh winds, the most common cause of ski jumping accidents. Designers used more than 14,000 square feet (1,301 square meters) of Sambesi light and PC-Sambesi mesh from GKD. A total of 315 units of Sambesi light, each measuring approximately 39 by 3 feet (12 by 1 m) were fitted to the exterior of the steel structure with round rods and eye bolts. An additional 130 units of PC-Sambesi rod mesh were tilted laterally and fitted in the steel structure on the inside of the jump platform, which allows for replacement of removal. A mesh size of 5.9 by 7.9 inches (150 by 200 mm) in the area around the lamps facilitates the surface illumination of the mesh. Both the Sambesi Light and PC-Sambesi are designed for extreme wind loads.

In addition to protecting the jumpers, Architects selected GKD’s mesh to protect the ski jump structure from harsh weathering. The durability of stainless-steel woven metal mesh will enable the Holmenkollen ski jump to be long lasting and easily maintained. Additionally, GKD’s mesh was selected for its aesthetic appeal, flexibility and varied application options. The stainless-steel mesh’s characteristic semi-transparency, along with the spotlights place inside and on top of the jump tower, creates a magnificent visual effect. At night, the backlit mesh turns the arena into a hill of sparkling light.

Work on the Holmenkollen began in 209, and the ski jump officially opened in March 2010, in time for the Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined World Cup. An additional phase of construction will be completed in fall 2010, adding more than 9,500 square feet (883 square meters) of mesh.