From racetrack to multi-purpose destination
Norway’s oldest asphalt race circuit, the Rudskogen Motorsenter in Rakkestad, has now evolved into a landmark facility with a new restaurant and multipurpose amenities for conferences, courses, and launches – all introduced in a revamp by architects Neue Heimat and interior designers IPlan. Inside, Rockfon Color-all acoustic ceiling tiles with the E24 semi-concealed edge were installed in two shades from the Colours of Wellbeing palette to introduce noise control, ceiling durability, and design character – allowing the venue to welcome visitors with Class A sound absorption for optimised comfort.
Two timeless colours redefine the visitor experience
A popular meeting spot for car and motorcycle enthusiasts, Rudskogen Motorsenter has been operating since 1990 with its racing areas – one of Scandinavia’s most renowned venues for events ranging from the Porsche Carrera Cup to the Gatebil. When additional facilities were planned for 2025, the objective was not only to improve the existing features but to add a whole host of versatile spaces that could deliver the community more resources.
Line Skaugstad, Marketing and Events Manager at the centre, said, “We actually started this project a long time ago. For many years, we only had tents and a simple race control, so the need for better facilities was high. After the pandemic, we had time to rethink – not just the sport, but also how we could use the building more flexibly. It still needed to meet the needs of race weekends, but also function for conferences, courses, and launches. That's when the ball started rolling.”
Discussing the general contractor and the process of selecting ceiling solutions, she continued, “KM-Bygg has been a very good partner throughout the process. They suggested suppliers and solutions – that's actually how we got in touch with Rockfon. We started with simple material choices but quickly realised we needed something more if the building was to function commercially as well. It had to look proper, not just be functional since we were now competing with serious players!”
Cost was a major factor, and decisions were made collectively for ceiling specification. “There were many discussions, including around the ceiling. It was clear that we needed to raise the quality, especially in the large spaces and in the restaurant. We got tips about green ceiling tiles from the interior design firm IPlan, and they really hit the mark", said Skaugstad.
For the new restaurant, Rockfon Color-all tiles in the Seaweed shade – a dark green – became a key detail. “We wanted to move away from clichés – no Ferrari red or chrome shiny surfaces. Instead, we wanted a warm, classic expression – more lounge than diner, and more sophisticated. The Rockfon Color-all ceiling tiles became a key detail. Together with the Jaguar-green interior, they create a calm, exclusive, and timeless environment. It should be high-end, but also inclusive – equally relevant for the motorcycle gang as for the Porsche people”, said Skaugstad.
The same approach carried into the conference centre. “We continued with the same vision, but in a calmer colour palette – with warm beige tones and Rockfon Color-all tiles in the Cork shade for both acoustic control and atmosphere. We emphasised that everything should be cosy and welcoming, and chose materials that matched this thinking, both in furniture, flooring, and textiles. The most important thing for us was that it should feel proper – a place you want to be, whether you come for motorsport, courses, or dinner!” said Skaugstad.
Acoustics were just as critical as design. “Even though we work in motorsports, we wanted a quiet and professional environment inside the conference center – a place where people can think clearly and work efficiently. With Rockfon ceiling tiles, we've achieved just that. There's something about the immediate calm you feel when you enter – how the sound settles, and how the room feels cosy and welcoming.”
"People notice them! We've received many comments on the ceiling tiles – from conference guests to people who are building offices themselves. Then you know you've made the right choice!”, she added. “We chose Rockfon Color-all precisely because it combines perfect acoustics with an exclusive, design-conscious expression. We wanted the materials to reflect the quality we want to stand for – and they do. It may not be what people expect from a motorsport center, but that's exactly why it works so well. It's the contrast that makes it memorable."
The installation of Rockfon Color-all ceiling tiles was completed by System 1 AS. “The whole process went smoothly! We didn't get a single thing wrong in the delivery, and I know that KM Bygg has had a good collaboration with Rockfon throughout the process,” said Skaugstad. “Rockfon was an easy choice for us – not just because of the quality, but because the products delivered both on functionality and aesthetics. It was a smart choice to achieve both good acoustics and a sleek design, especially in large rooms. We could quickly see that it was worth investing in good products like these ceiling tiles. It has really lifted the overall impression both in the restaurant and conference center!”
A motorsport hub becomes a community landmark
The new facilities have exceeded expectations, becoming a local gathering point as well as a motorsport venue. “What is most rewarding now is to see how the building has started to live its own life. We built it for the events we knew would come, but now it has opened the doors to completely new types of use – everything from religious confirmations and summer parties to Christmas parties and even weddings. People who have never had anything to do with motorsport come here because it has simply become a nice place to be. It's incredibly rewarding to have achieved something so thorough on a realistic budget – and I actually think the green ceiling has a lot of the credit. It's a showstopper, and people notice it as soon as they come in”, concludes Skaugstad.
