Nestled in the vast and breathtaking Finnmarksvidda plateau, Čoarvemátta stands as a beacon of cultural identity, sustainability, and architectural brilliance. Designed by global transdisciplinary practice
Snøhetta in collaboration with 70°N architecture and artist Joar Nango, this striking new hub fuses the worlds of art, education, and indigenous heritage, serving as home to both the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sami High School and Reindeer Herding School. More than just a building, Čoarvemátta – named after the innermost and strongest part of a reindeer's antler – symbolizes resilience, unity, and deep-rooted traditions.
Crafted with an organic design that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, the structure seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with traditional Sami craftsmanship. The sweeping, curved lines of its timber frame echo the shape of a lávvu (Sami tent), while the strategically sloping roof minimizes its impact on the horizon, allowing it to integrate naturally into its environment. Materials are carefully chosen for sustainability and local significance – ore pine cladding, repurposed Alta slate, and concrete floors infused with regionally sourced stone create a tactile connection between the building and its land. Inside, a warm-to-cool gradient of colours draws inspiration from traditional Sami palettes, ensuring that every space tells a visual story.
Beyond aesthetics, Čoarvemátta is a model of sustainability, meeting Passive House standards with cutting-edge energy solutions. With 40 geothermal wells reaching 250 meters deep, the building is 90% self-sufficient in heating and cooling, minimizing its ecological footprint while maximizing efficiency. Even the landscape has been carefully restored, ensuring that the plateau reclaims its natural beauty over time. Čoarvemátta is more than a cultural landmark – it is a living testament to Sami heritage, an innovative fusion of past and future, and a space where tradition, education, and performance come together in perfect harmony with nature.