This soccer training facility in Norway is almost too beautiful to believe

If it weren’t for the white lines on the grass, you would be forgiven to think this building is a perfectly quiet hotel surrounded by a field of grass in the middle of the Norwegian forest. After all, most soccer training grounds are ugly structures whose sole purpose is to provide infrastructure for people to kick a ball around. But this isn’t just a place to kick a ball. These facilities, designed by the internationally renowned architecture firm Snøhetta, aim to redefine the very concept of a training ground, transforming it into a vibrant hub for the entire football community.

“Our approach to sustainability is deeply rooted in a holistic perspective that considers environmental impact and fosters community and inclusion,” says Frank Denis Foray, Snøhetta senior architect and project leader, about the philosophy behind the proposal for the Norwegian National Football team’s (NFF) stunning new training grounds. 

Snøhetta, known for its ability to seamlessly blend architecture with nature, has conceived of two proposals for the NFF, located in the Norwegian cities of Asker and Ski, just outside of Oslo. Both designs pay homage to Norway’s rich Nordic heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional architectural forms like the Long House, a communal dwelling central to Old Norse villages.

“Over a thousand years ago, the Long House was the heart of the community—a gathering place where people from all walks of life, from kings to farmers, young and old, came together to share stories, experiences, and traditions,” Foray tells me over email. “This enduring spirit of unity and togetherness is at the core of our design, ensuring that the new facility is not just a sports venue but a meeting place for the whole football community.”

The Asker ground’s renderings reveal three large terraced fields set over a gentle slope. At the top, a two-level glass and wooden structure appears to grow organically from the land. On the last level’s grass roof, a large circular opening gives light to a giant tree that dominates a courtyard, allowing gentle sunlight and shade to get into the inner space of the building. The terraced fields are joined by large steps that serve as bleachers for spectators and allow people to move up and down with ease. The Ski ground’s renders show the soccer fields on a level ground, flanked by a large long building that gently curves, made in renewable wood. Solar panels adorn the roofs, feeding the facility.

Snøhetta says that beyond the pretty and soul-calming zen, the grounds have been designed to be functional, state-of-the-art spaces for athletes of all levels. Foray explains that the facility will be a “public space catering to athletes of all levels and backgrounds, from juniors to the elite, creating a new home for NFF that encourages sharing, inclusivity, and connection.” Beyond these training centers, the facilities also incorporate administrative offices, a sports high school, and external offices for the Norwegian Football Association, consolidating the NFF’s operations into a single, cohesive campus.

The collaboration between Snøhetta and the NFF is not new. The firm previously worked with the federation on renovations to the interior of Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, the national stadium. Completed in 2022, this project included upgrades to the player’s dressing rooms, tunnel, and other key areas. As Snøhetta describes it, the stadium’s revamped facilities were “designed as a journey through the emotions of a football player,” incorporating elements of Norwegian football history and fostering a sense of team unity. 

This prior experience laid the groundwork for the current training ground project. “Our collaboration with the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) stemmed from previous work we had done for them,” Foray says. “They approached us with three potential sites for a new facility. Our task was to analyze and refine the options to identify the most suitable location.” Through a detailed evaluation process and creative workshops, Snøhetta worked with the NFF to narrow the choices down to the two most promising locations: Asker and Ski.

While the Asker proposal remains in the conceptual stage, the Ski facility is moving forward. “The Ski facility is progressing steadily, with the first phase of the new regulatory plan already in motion,” Foray tells me. While some details are still being finalized, the NFF anticipates the project will be completed within the next five years. These training grounds promise to be more than just a place where athletes hone their skills. They are envisioned as a symbol of unity, a celebration of Norwegian heritage, and a testament to the power of thoughtful, sustainable design. It doesn’t hurt that they may just be the most beautiful football training grounds you’ll ever see.