Malermester Buer helps transform a former Oslo museum for future learning

Malermester Buer, part of Håndverksgruppen, is undertaking the painting work at the former Museum of Decorative Arts and Design in Oslo, which is being renovated to become part of Edvard Munch Upper Secondary School. The project will create a modern and inspiring learning environment for over 1,200 students – an increase of 450 students and 26 staff members compared to the current capacity.

The entire building is listed, both inside and out, and the renovation includes the restoration and reconstruction of the original details as they were when the building was completed in 1903. The work involves highly specialized painting techniques and close coordination with the City Conservator and main contractor Betonmast to ensure that the historical details are preserved.

Reviving historical details

Tomasz Mirek, master painter and project manager at Malermester Buer, is responsible for project management and coordination of the team on this extensive project. He has been employed by Malermester Buer for 15 years and has worked on several restoration projects.

– This is an exciting and demanding project that allows us to apply our expertise in restoring historic buildings. The building has a rich cultural history, and we approach all work with great respect for the original details and construction methods, while using our experience to recreate every element with precision, says Tomasz Mirek.

He continues:

– Among the tasks we carry out are linseed oil painting on moldings, frames, and doors, stretching new jute and cardboard, reconstructing friezes and pilasters with freehand decoration, gilding on plaster and wood, as well as graining and line decoration.

Project manager/master painter Tomasz Mirek has been employed at Malermester Buer since 2011

The work at the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design includes both restoration of original materials and reconstruction of elements based on photographic documentation, using traditional techniques such as linseed oil painting, hand-painted decoration, and gilding.

Working with antiquarian precision

Fredrik Hallkvist is a painter at Malermester Buer. He joined the company in 2015 and has day-to-day responsibility on the construction site for a team of between 3 and 10 people.

He describes the project:

– This is one of the most complex and interesting projects I’ve been part of. The work combines antique precision with a modern school building, and it is crucial that we work closely with the other trades on the construction site. For example, whenever we encounter antiquarian elements, we isolate and protect them before contacting the relevant parties for further assessment.

Painter Fredrik Hallkvist (right) has been employed at Malermester Buer since 2015

As the rooms are completed, it becomes clear how the work is creating the learning environment of the future.

– It is very rewarding to see room after room being completed. It is always interesting and inspiring to be involved in creating the school of the future for students – and it will be exciting to see the completed project, concludes Fredrik Hallkvist.

Facts about the project

• Project owner: Oslobygg KF / Main contractor: Betonmast

• Scope: Renovation and conversion of the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design and Edvard Munch Upper Secondary School, totaling 11,600 square meters of gross floor area (6,600 square meters in the museum, approximately 5,000 square meters in the existing school building)

• Completion: Scheduled for 2027