A heart of wood: The symbol of sustainability
"A Heart of Wood" also visualizes the sustainable and eco-friendly solutions that permeate the house. By using wood as the main material, the installation naturally blends into the building's architecture while representing a deeper connection to nature. The heart's movements are inspired by the soft, floating motions of a jellyfish, creating a calm and harmonious atmosphere in the foyer.
Technology and nature in symbiosis
The installation is both an aesthetic addition and a technological innovation. The heart is connected to an AI, the building's brain, which optimizes the energy flow to create the best possible conditions for both visitors and the environment. By visualizing the building's energy consumption with various movements, the heart makes the energy flow visible and understandable to everyone. Small movements indicate when the system is storing energy, while larger, more open movements show when the building receives district cooling or shares surplus energy with nearby buildings.
A gift with significance
In conjunction with the celebration of Sara kulturhus' first anniversary in 2022, Skellefteå Kraft donated "A Heart of Wood" to the building – both as a beautiful installation and to highlight the importance of sustainability. The placement above the Kulturtrappan was a carefully considered decision. The stairs are a central meeting place in the building, where people and ideas flow freely – here the heart has maximum space to display its beauty and function. Through its strategic placement, visitors can clearly see how the heart moves and interacts with the building's energy system.
Built for the future
The design and construction of "A Heart of Wood" were carried out by Rumtiden Idea Lab, commissioned by the strategic agency Volt, responsible for the basic design. The construction consists of a robust steel core covered with panels of molded wood, making the heart both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The heart's construction is also designed to be long-lasting and optimized to minimize noise, ensuring it does not disturb the other activities in the building.
A part of the city
Thanks to Skellefteå Kraft, the Sara kulturhus and its heart of wood are integrated parts of Skellefteå's energy system. The cultural centre can share surplus energy with nearby buildings or receive energy when needed, providing a concrete example of how care and sustainability can be implemented in practice. "A Heart of Wood" visualizes this energy flow through its movements and lighting, offering a direct and educational insight into how a modern, sustainable energy system works.
Welcome to experience the heart
"A Heart of Wood" is not just a technical and aesthetic installation; it is a call to action and a reminder of the importance of sustainability. When you visit the Sara kulturhus, take the time to stop by the Kulturtrappan and see how the heart beats. Be inspired by how technology and nature can work together to create a sustainable future. Welcome to feel the pulse of Skellefteå's energy cycle and see how our heart beats for a better tomorrow!
See how "A heart of wood" visualizes the various phases of the energy system.