Thoughtful architecture that amplifies urban life
BF 2.04
By merging retail, business, and flexible office spaces, this thoughtful red brick building with reused wing tiles becomes a dynamic landmark at the entrance to Copenhagen’s vibrant neighborhood, Nordhavn.
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Introduction
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Summary
Creating urban vibrancy through multifunctional design
PLH has designed a five-story building marking a prominent arrival point in Nordhavn and supporting the vision of a vibrant city district. With retail and business at street level and flexible offices above, the house encourages both daily life and long-term business activity. The architecture balances character and cohesion, contributing to the identity of "The Red City."
A new urban cornerstone in The Red City
The site – part of Nordhavn’s Red City and located directly above a metro line – posed both technical and urban challenges. Without a basement and with a planned arcade to the street, we were tasked with creating a multifunctional house that breaks down scale, embraces street life, and accommodates multiple tenants within a tight footprint.
Designing for people, purpose, and place
The project builds on the insight that multifunctional buildings fuel city life when designed with both identity and interaction in mind. The concept supports By & Havn’s ambition to curate vibrant ground-floor activities while providing flexible office environments tailored to modern work needs, including Urban Partners’ woods office human-centred office concept.
A layered house with a tactile and timeless expression
The building’s red façade of reused wing tiles evokes a classic industrial character inspired by Hamburg’s historic harbor, while pioneering sustainable rainwater performance. A wide urban staircase invites people up to the main office entrance at level two. The building breaks down scale through stepped terraces and variation in detailing – inviting life in and around the house.
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