A thorough building-archaeological investigation has revealed the original spatial qualities and material character of the building, which have been interpreted architecturally to inform the creation of a modern office environment.
Holmens Kanal 20
A Historic Shell, a Modern Core
Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, close to historic landmarks such as Christiansborg Castle and Børsen, Holmens Kanal 20 adds a functionalist touch to the medieval city centre. Originally built in the 1930s to house the Public Trustee’s offices, the building has been meticulously renovated to support a modern working environment.
To meet the demand for contemporary office space for the Ministry of Employment and the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Climate, Holmens Kanal 20 has been transformed into a dynamic workspace. Respecting the building’s original architecture, the renovation sought to highlight its beautiful period features and solid craftsmanship, while also creating a workspace centred on natural light, connectivity, and flexibility.
The design draws on Frits Schlegel’s original material and colour palette—wood and white surfaces—which reinforce the building’s architectural identity. By introducing a more open layout and strengthening the connections between the office areas and the atrium—the heart of the building—Holmens Kanal 20 now serves as an inspiring workplace that fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing across people and disciplines.
The renewed Holmens Kanal 20 is a prime example of how a historic property can be given a more sustainable and efficient use, reducing society’s carbon footprint by improving the performance of our existing building stock.
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- Location:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Programme:
- Office
- Size:
- 10,000 m2
- Client:
- The Danish Building and Property Agency
- Turnkey Contractor:
- NCC Denmark
- Engineer:
- Rambøll Denmark
- Photos:
- Adam Mørk
Sustainable Revitalisation of a Historic Landmark
Holmens Kanal 20, located in the heart of Copenhagen, is a striking example of Danish Functionalist architecture. Originally designed for the Public Trustee’s Office by architect Frits Schlegel and engineer Ernst Ishøy between 1935 and 1937, the building holds considerable heritage value.
With the addition of new facilities for the Ministry of Employment and the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Climate, it has been transformed into a dynamic workspace featuring distinctive and flexible offices. Today, it stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of historical preservation and contemporary design, having undergone a meticulous transformation to meet the demands of modern office environments while honouring its architectural legacy.
Environmental sustainability has been a key focus throughout the renovation. Recycled wood was used for all wooden flooring, and all new timber incorporated into the building is FSC-certified. In addition, particular attention was given to three key aspects with the greatest impact on environmental performance.
First, the introduction of open-plan offices has improved space utilisation, allowing for approximately 20% more workstations within the same building footprint.
Second, the design of the office areas features flexible and generic layouts, which—when combined with the use of diffuse ventilation—ensures the building can be adapted smoothly and efficiently to meet future needs.
Third, the heating system was replaced, and the layout was reconfigured to maximise access to natural daylight in all workspaces and communal areas. As a result, approximately 70% of offices and shared spaces now benefit from natural through-lighting, contributing to a reduction in the building’s overall energy consumption and operating costs.
One of the most striking transformations from the renovation is seen in the atrium, with its distinctive wooden wall and railing panels, rounded corners, and the beautiful influx of natural light from the large skylight above.
New, generous openings in the atrium walls have created visual connections and improved access between the atrium and the surrounding offices.
The atrium now links the office floors with new meeting rooms, as well as café and lounge areas. It serves as a communal space where employees from different departments and disciplines can meet, fostering the collaboration and knowledge-sharing essential to a dynamic and efficient organisation.
The office wings are designed as open, adaptable environments that support a healthy indoor climate and optimal working conditions. The design draws on Frits Schlegel’s original material and colour palette—wood and white surfaces—which reinforce the building’s architectural identity.
Within these wings, refined and flexible partitions divide the open-plan layout into smaller office zones. These can function as quiet areas for focused work, traditional offices, collaborative project spaces or meeting rooms.
A variety of furnishing options enables adaptable configurations, from spacious layouts to desk groupings for up to four employees. This creates a balance between the sense of community and the need for secluded areas for concentration and reflection.
The project has been developed with a strong focus on both passive and active sustainability measures, ensuring an energy-efficient building with a healthy indoor environment and high-quality working conditions. The design complies with DGNB certification principles.
The atrium has become the new heart of the building, linking office floors with shared spaces such as café and lounge areas, as well as meeting rooms positioned along its perimeter. This is where employees from different departments and disciplines meet, fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging knowledge sharing.