schmidt hammer lassen architects to build zero-energy office building
schmidt hammer lassen architects to build zero-energy office building
Schmidt Hammer Lassen - SHL
schmidt hammer lassen architects has taken the environmental ambitions of the municipality of Aarhus as a key driver for the project and created a zero-energy office building, the first of its kind in Denmark. The building has 1,100 m2 of solar cells for the production of electricity, 420 m2 of solar thermal panels for absorption cooling and heating water, and rainwater harvesting for reuse in lavatories and for watering.
The new project is part of the schmidt hammer lassen strategy to design an increasing number of sustainable houses of a very high standard.
The new building for 240 staff and their clients will be built as an extension to the municipality’s existing administration office dating from 1965. The complex will be situated on a hillside in the southern part of the city and be highly visible from the passing intercity road.
The access to the new building will go through an existing alley of unique and beautiful plane trees. The overall proposal is based on the qualities of the old buildings and the preserved charming garden. Even before it is built, the new complex is already equipped with garden spaces, trees and plants that it would otherwise take decennials to grow.
The full complex will appear as a fully integrated classic modern composition. The new extension is an independent unit consisting of two parallel wings of two to three-storey buildings connected by towers concentrating stairs, elevators, lavatories and washrooms. Consequently, the office areas are liberated from functional units and are flexible to any sort of organization.
Three gardens are placed between the two wings to draw nature into the building and enable the employees to follow the seasons from their desks.
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