Microsoft Trondheim

When Microsofts development team in Trondheim outgrew their previous office space, the relocation became an opportunity to strengthen alignment with the company’s comprehensive work processes and identity — and to further develop workflows, collaboration, and the office's role as a space for identity-building. We were engaged as local consultant and interior architect for the entire project, working in close collaboration with the company's international team.

Choice of Office Space and Process

The new location — the top floor of a fully renovated 1974 brick building in the heart of Trondheim — was selected for its proximity to the city, views of the fjord, and its potential to support a forward-thinking work environment. The building’s architecture, with its narrow footprint and deep window niches, appears closed from the outside but opens up with daylight from three sides, offering a surprisingly spacious experience from within.

The project process was conducted almost entirely digitally, with a team spread across multiple continents. Communication and decision-making took place on digital platforms, and every design choice was evaluated against the company’s comprehensive global standards for work environments, material use, and sustainability. We developed detailed floor plans and 3D visualizations for all areas to ensure quality and provide decision-makers with a strong foundation throughout every phase of the project.

3D Rendering - used as decision basis 1.5 years before completion

Completed spaces

Despite extensive framework conditions, we were given considerable freedom to develop an expression rooted in the local context. The color palette is inspired by Trondheim — its contrasts, landscape, and identity — with warm wood tones, deep greens, and hints of sun, stone, and brick. The aesthetic was developed in dialogue with the building’s architecture and the company’s technological identity. In areas with low ceilings, we used light surfaces to visually open the space, while the floor plan was optimized for flow, openness, and flexible use.

The work zones have a calm, focused atmosphere, with deep red Valchromat marking areas around meeting rooms and quiet spaces. The social zones are set in a warm palette of yellow, beige, dark green, and black — with oak as a recurring material. We developed custom-designed furnishings throughout the project, including the reception desk, collaboration tables, plant boxes, wardrobe solutions, moss feature walls, and four smaller kitchens. Green plants, acoustic materials, and textile surfaces support the work environment both functionally and aesthetically.

This was a project of high complexity, fine detailing, and cross-cultural collaboration. Despite the fact that many team members never set foot in the building, the result is cohesive, functional, and carefully considered — from concept to finished workspace. We're proud to have contributed to creating a place where people thrive, where technology has space to unfold, and where the company’s values are brought to life — in the heart of Trondheim.

Inspiration

Where Norway narrows and all four seasons can unfold in a single day, you'll find beautiful Trondheim — a city rich in history and world-class gastronomy. Close to nature, yet vibrant with the energy of a lively urban atmosphere.

Materials

At Microsoft in Trondheim, the color palette ranges from warm wood tones, neutral shades, and sunlit accents in client areas and social zones, to deeper greens and dark brick red in meeting rooms and workspaces where concentration and focus are key. All areas are unified by a light base palette, punctuated by vibrant orange and blue details that add energy and character.

Materials

At Microsoft in Trondheim, the color palette ranges from warm wood tones, neutral shades, and sunlit accents in client areas and social zones, to deeper greens and dark brick red in meeting rooms and workspaces where concentration and focus are key. All areas are unified by a light base palette, punctuated by vibrant orange and blue details that add energy and character.

Symbols and identity

As part of the functional and visual concept, we developed a set of graphic signs and symbols that recur throughout the project. At the entrance, a central quote from Microsoft’s own value statement is displayed: “Empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” The integration of symbols reinforces the company’s identity and creates a subtle yet cohesive connection between architecture and graphic expression.

Symbols and identity

As part of the functional and visual concept, we developed a set of graphic signs and symbols that recur throughout the project. At the entrance, a central quote from Microsoft’s own value statement is displayed: “Empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” The integration of symbols reinforces the company’s identity and creates a subtle yet cohesive connection between architecture and graphic expression.