Perched elegantly on Solli Plass in Oslo's prestigious Frogner neighborhood, Sommerro House stands as a magnificent testament to the power of thoughtful preservation and visionary design. This 231-room luxury hotel, which opened its doors in September 2022 after a five-year restoration, occupies the former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker—the city's historic electrical company. The ambitious project, helmed by Norwegian billionaire Petter Stordalen and brought to life by the London-based design studio GrecoDeco, represents Norway's largest preservation endeavor to date, transforming a 1930s Art Deco masterpiece into Oslo's most captivating neighborhood hotel.

Frogner has long been Oslo's most affluent district, a leafy enclave of elegant turn-of-the-century architecture that has maintained its prestigious reputation since the 19th century. Originally divided from the city's industrial eastern quarters by the Akerselva River, Frogner embodies the refined sensibilities of Oslo's West End. The neighborhood's crown jewel, Frogner Park—home to Gustav Vigeland's extraordinary sculpture collection—sits just steps from Sommerro's entrance, while the Royal Palace anchors the area's regal atmosphere. This historic setting provides the perfect backdrop for a hotel that celebrates both Norwegian heritage and international sophistication.

The original building tells a fascinating story of civic ambition and architectural excellence. Designed by prolific Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen and constructed over thirteen years beginning in 1917, the structure served as the nerve center for Oslo's electrification. The words "Lys, Kraft, Varme" (Light, Power, Warmth)—still etched into the building's facade—once represented the company's mission to illuminate the growing city. These same principles now guide Sommerro's philosophy as a cultural destination that powers Oslo's social and artistic life.

GrecoDeco's approach to the restoration exemplifies their signature philosophy of creating "romantically immersive journeys" that honor history while embracing imagination. Rather than attempting meticulous historical replication, the studio has layered references from multiple periods to create spaces that feel both authentic and dreamlike. Their extensive research throughout Scandinavia uncovered the region's lesser-known Art Deco movement, bringing forward Norwegian artists, textiles, and furniture from the early 1900s to create interiors that feel distinctly Nordic yet universally luxurious.

(via Dedar Milano)

 

The hotel's 231 guest rooms showcase this nuanced approach beautifully. Each space draws inspiration from Norwegian artist Gerhard Munthe and indigenous furniture design, featuring rich oak parquet flooring, hand-knotted rugs, and bespoke lighting fixtures that cast golden warmth across custom-brushed walls. The color palettes reflect Norway's natural beauty—deep forest greens, glacier blues, and the warm amber hues of midnight sun—while Art Deco details add geometric sophistication.

Perhaps most remarkable is GrecoDeco's treatment of the hotel's public spaces, where original architectural elements have been sensitively restored and reimagined. The Ekspedisjonshallen restaurant occupies the former customer service hall where Oslo residents once paid their electricity bills. Here, a magnificent mural by renowned Norwegian artist Per Krohg creates a stunning backdrop for the all-day brasserie, which features live jazz performances daily. The artwork's flowing lines and vibrant colors tell the story of electricity's transformative power, while contemporary furnishings and lighting create an atmosphere that feels both historically grounded and thoroughly modern.

 

The crown jewel of the restoration is Vestkantbadet, the hotel's extraordinary 8,000-square-foot underground wellness center. Originally Oslo's public baths, this subterranean sanctuary has been transformed into the largest spa in any Nordic city hotel. GrecoDeco preserved the space's original 1930s hand-painted blue tiles and whimsical mosaics depicting women swimming with seals, created by artist Per Krohg. The restored pools now anchor a comprehensive wellness experience featuring infrared saunas, Nordic thermotherapy, and treatment rooms that honor both the building's aquatic heritage and contemporary luxury standards.

What distinguishes Sommerro from other heritage hotels is GrecoDeco's commitment to creating a true neighborhood destination rather than merely a place to stay. The hotel houses seven restaurants and bars, a 100-seat gilded cinema, and the Lysverker cultural scene—all designed to welcome locals alongside international guests. This philosophy transforms Sommerro into a living, breathing part of Frogner's cultural fabric, ensuring that the building continues to serve its community just as it did during its days as the city's electrical headquarters.

For the design enthusiast, Sommerro offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience how thoughtful restoration can breathe new life into historic architecture. GrecoDeco's masterful work proves that preservation need not mean stagnation—instead, by honoring the past while embracing contemporary comfort and style, they have created spaces that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern. In a city known for its forward-thinking design culture, Sommerro House stands as a brilliant example of how luxury hospitality can celebrate local heritage while offering international sophistication.

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