Oslotre, an innovative architecture firm from Oslo, is pushing the boundaries of timber design and digital fabrication with an exciting new project. The studio is creating a series of giant wooden teeth for a new attraction at Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park (Dyreparken) in Norway. The project represents a bold experiment in combining advanced robotics and locally sourced timber to craft towering six-metre-high structures, testing the limits of what modern design and technology can achieve with wood.
A New Approach to Timber Design
The wooden teeth will serve as the main feature in a new walk-through experience at Dyreparken. Visitors will be immersed in the world of “Karius and Baktus,” a popular Norwegian children’s tale by Thorbjørn Egner. The giant teeth will form the centrepiece of the attraction, guiding visitors through the narrative, making them feel as if they’ve shrunk and entered Egner’s whimsical universe.
Unlike typical amusement rides, these wooden teeth aren’t just for show. They are integral to the experience, acting as both the structural and visual backbone. The project has been described by Dyreparken’s project manager, Roy Bjerke, as a key element that carries the entire attraction. “The teeth are the scenography itself,” he explains. “They’re not merely decorative props but carry the whole experience.”
Combining Robotics with Timber
Oslotre, known for its expertise in timber engineering and robotic milling, is using advanced 3D modelling and high-precision robotic milling to transform locally sourced Norwegian logs into these massive wooden sculptures. “This project really pushes the limits of what we can do with wood and digital fabrication,” says Jørgen Tycho, Creative Director at Oslotre.
Working with advanced robotics, the studio is creating free-form structures that would have been difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with traditional methods. This project represents an opportunity to merge biology, storytelling, and technology into a single cohesive design. For Oslotre, it’s an exciting chance to test the outer boundaries of both timber and robotics in architecture.
Strengthening Local Timber Industry
Much of the fabrication for this project is taking place in Southern Norway. Companies such as Aanesland Treindustri and Sørlaminering are responsible for shaping the enormous laminated wooden elements using newly installed robotic milling systems. This project offers these companies an opportunity to showcase the region’s expertise and capabilities in timber processing and digital manufacturing.
“We are proud to contribute to something so deeply rooted in Norwegian heritage,” says Gunnar Adolf Aanesland, a representative from Aanesland Treindustri. “With the new robotics setup, we can shape almost anything, and the fact that the wood comes from Norwegian forests gives it an extra layer of meaning.”
The integration of robotics in timber manufacturing is allowing for greater precision, efficiency, and creativity, all while maintaining the sustainability of locally sourced materials. This approach also highlights the potential of Norway’s timber industry to lead in digital fabrication techniques.
A Milestone for Dyreparken
The wooden teeth installation is scheduled for completion during the summer of 2026, with assembly being managed by OsloPre, Oslotre’s sister company. The attraction, spanning an area of 1,500 square metres, is set to open in the spring of 2027, just in time for Dyreparken’s peak tourist season.
The project has already generated excitement, as it marks one of the largest and most ambitious investments in the park’s history. The unique design and use of advanced technology are expected to make it a major attraction for both local visitors and international tourists.
Blending Innovation with Tradition
The project’s success will not only be a testament to the capabilities of Oslotre and its partners but also to the potential of combining traditional materials like timber with modern technologies like robotics. This innovative approach allows the studio to create something truly groundbreaking while honouring Norway’s rich history of timber craftsmanship.
For Oslotre, this project is a significant milestone, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, architecture, and technology. As the installation nears completion, it will undoubtedly attract attention from both the architecture and engineering communities, demonstrating how digital fabrication and robotics are transforming the way timber can be used in large-scale architectural projects.
Oslotre’s timber teeth project at Dyreparken marks an exciting chapter in both the world of architecture and the timber industry. By combining local materials with cutting-edge technology, the studio is not only pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with wood but also strengthening Norway’s position as a leader in sustainable design and digital fabrication. As the attraction takes shape, it will serve as a striking example of how innovation can breathe new life into traditional materials, creating immersive, meaningful experiences for visitors.
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