European Innovation Meets Public Education: Fibo Panels in Action
A newly constructed upper secondary school in Norway is setting the standard for what educational buildings can be—modern, efficient, and built to last. At the heart of this transformation is the use of our waterproof wall panel system, a European innovation that’s now gaining traction in North America.
Fibo panels deliver the aesthetic of tile with none of the maintenance headaches—making them ideal for schools, healthcare facilities, gyms, and commercial interiors.
A Major School Build with High Demands
This flagship project, commissioned by a Norwegian county municipality, had a budget of approximately 150 million NOK ($14 million USD). Construction work began in December 2023 on what was then an empty parking lot. By December 2024, the new building was completed, and the entire project is scheduled to be finalized by August 2025. To meet the tight timeline, up to 150 workers have been involved in the project at any given time.
Project manager Bård Ingeberg and site manager Petter Navarsete have played key roles in the execution. Both have extensive experience with large construction projects and prioritize not just design—but also durability, hygiene, and speed of installation. That’s why Fibo wall systems were chosen.
The Ideal Wall System for Wet Areas
In high-moisture areas like restrooms, locker rooms, and shower facilities, Fibo panels were used instead of ceramic tile. Why? Because they’re:
- 100% waterproof
- Easy to install over existing surfaces
- Impact-resistant and easy to clean
Ingeberg has personal experience with the products. “I used Fibo in my own home—installed in 1984, and it still looks great,” says the project manager. “The quality speaks for itself.”
Designed With Color Harmony
The school’s interiors used a combination of three popular Fibo colors:
This mix created a calming, contemporary look while keeping the space warm and inviting—ideal for a learning environment.
A Practical Choice for Public Spaces
Public buildings like schools need interior solutions that can handle wear and tear. Fibo’s high-pressure laminate surface is scratch-resistant, hygienic, and easy to maintain—making it ideal for:
- Schools
- Healthcare facilities
- Fitness centers
- Multi-family residential buildings
Fibo meets all the needs of a high-traffic public facility—without the maintenance costs or durability concerns of traditional tile
Petter Navarsete, Site Manager.
A Smarter, More Sustainable Solution for North America
While already trusted across Europe, Fibo is now expanding into North America, bringing with it a smarter, more sustainable way to finish walls in wet and high-traffic environments.
With Fibo:
- No grout means no mold or mildew
- Panels are PEFC-certified and fully recyclable
- Installs faster than tile, reducing labor costs
When public buildings choose our panels, it’s not just about looks – it’s about total economy and sustainability. Our solutions require minimal maintenance and have a proven long lifespan
Jan-Kåre Mekiassen, Fibo’s regional manager for Østfold/Oslo/Akershus/Buskerud
Interested in Fibo for Your Next Project?
Contact us for technical and design support or to request a sample.
Gerard Kuester
- Title
- Head of Fibo North America
- gku@fibosystem.com