Vyrk has supplied modern wooden slats and fire plates to Norway's largest conference hotel

In the middle of Oslo city centre, The Hub looms as an architectural landmark at the country's busiest hub.

With its 26,000 square metres and 810 rooms, it is Norway's largest privately owned conference centre. And a good example of how natural materials create functional and aesthetic solutions in large-scale projects.

In 2021, Wenaasgruppen opened this ambitious conference hotel close to Oslo Central Station. At Biskop Gunnerus' gate 3, Nordic Choice Hotels now operates an important meeting place for business and conference guests – designed for professional interaction and personal comfort.

Walnut fire-rated panels combine form and function

In the congress hall, where large gatherings require a special focus on fire safety, Vyrk has supplied perforated anti-fire panels in walnut veneer. These panels represent an optimal solution where practical safety considerations meet high aesthetic ambitions.

"The fire-rated panels meet strict safety requirements, contribute to good acoustics in large assembly rooms, and at the same time add a visual warmth through the characteristic look of the walnut veneer," explains Steinar Lyseng, Managing Director of Vyrk.

The congress hall is thus not only a safe gathering place, but also one with architectural integrity. The technical and the aesthetic go hand in hand, which characterises successful projects of this size.

"Vyrk's products give builders and architects the opportunity to combine technical requirements with aesthetic ambitions. Vyrk Antibrann in walnut veneer is a good example, as these panels meet fire safety requirements while contributing to the visual quality and acoustic properties of the room," says Lyseng.

Oak slats create a holistic design experience

The meeting rooms form the professional core of the building. Here, Vyrk has supplied oak slats in a variety of dimensions mounted on black acoustic cloth, supplemented by perforated fire-rated panels in walnut. This consistent use of materials creates a clear and unified design identity across the building's different zones.

At the same time, the slatted walls help solve a critical challenge in meeting rooms: acoustics. The oak slats break sound reflections and reduce reverberation, ensuring good speech intelligibility – a crucial factor for effective meetings and good presentations.

"The wooden slats create a visual framework that defines the room, while significantly improving sound conditions. This is a good example of how thoughtful use of materials can affect the functionality of the room," says Inge Dahl of the Wenaasgruppen.

Spa area with oak slats for exclusive pampering

In the building's spa area, Vyrk has supplied oak slats that help create a sober and exclusive look.

Here, in a zone dedicated to relaxation and well-being, the natural properties of the wood really shine. The warm and timeless look of the oak creates a calm atmosphere that contrasts with the hectic pace of the city right outside.

The natural patterns and surface of the wood invite both a visual and tactile experience – important qualities in an area where sensory experiences are key.

"The Hub was to be more than just a hotel: we wanted to create a meeting place with a clear identity and high quality at all levels. Vyrk's wood solutions have helped us achieve just that, with materials that not only look good, but also deliver on technical requirements such as acoustics and fire safety," says Inge Dahl, xxx in the Wenaas Group.