competition 2003, first prize
design 2003-2004
client: NCC Construction Denmark, Copenhagen
gross floor area: 16.000 m2 housing, 1.750 m2 retail, 5.000 m2 parking and storage, 112 housing units
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The housing development Kroyers Plads is located along the harbour of Copenhagen. The rich, almost fairytale-like atmosphere of the Danish capital inspired the competition design. The intimate and peaceful narrow streets, the cobblestone squares, dark brown roofs and traditional materials with intensive colours all suggest that anything (and everything) is possible.
The proposed buildings are strongly influenced by the contextual tradition of pitch-roofed buildings. Stretching, twisting and distorting them in three dimensions creates new shapes that free the imagination. The towers are rotated and the apartments are fully glazed In order to maximise the views towards the sea and the harbour. The towers are wrapped in a cladding system formed out of louvers and grilles, which provide sun and visual protection. The materials used to make references to the earth: copper red, terracotta and natural slate contrast with the glitter of stainless steel.
The ensemble, with its random open and closed surfaces, creates an interesting contrast between the infinite view of the sea and the closed volumes of the adjacent towers. Positioned on a tilted platform, the buildings have more exposure from the seaside viewpoint. The tilted platform is an undulating, in-situ reinforced concrete slab that forms an artificial landscape. Retail functions are situated below this platform and a public café-restaurant with fully glazed façade offers a charming view. A proposed feature is that the small bay to the south east of the site be utilised as a marina for the inhabitants, making it an even more attractive residential and leisure environment within the city.
