Tinggården, Denmark

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Tinggården, Denmark

Mismatches Services Cultural suitability Diversity
Urban Design Services and infrastructure Quality Liveability Participatory processes
Promotion and production Participatory processes Innovation Cooperatives

Main objectives of the project

Since its construction in 1978, Tinggården has stood as the archetype of low-rise, high-density residential architecture in Denmark. Situated on open land in the town of Herfølge, Tinggården represents a highly successful non-profit housing experiment that utilized architecture to reestablish residents' democracy within the local community. It is renowned as one of the pioneering cohousing experiments globally.

Date

  • 1978: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Danish Building Research Institute
  • Architect: Vandkunsten Architects

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

In the 1960s, a group of architects and families in Denmark who sought more interaction with their neighbours initiated the cohousing movement, characterized by private houses grouped around common spaces and facilities. Tinggården was one of the first projects to implement these cohousing theories.

In 1971, the Danish Building Research Institute (SBI) held a competition on alternative housing forms. This competition presented an opportunity to demonstrate flexible, human-scaled architecture as a radical contrast to the technocratic high-rise developments and the perceived monotony of suburban single-family homes. Vandkunsten Architects won the competition with a proposal that emphasized community and aimed to give residents real influence over both the architectural design and their ability to shape their lives and homes. This competition paved the way for the Tinggården housing experiment and led to the establishment of Vandkunsten Architects.

Tinggården was completed in 1978, originally consisting of 78 homes arranged into six family clusters, each with a communal building for shared meals and activities. Additionally, a large communal hall was built for all Tinggården residents. The development expanded in a second phase from 1983 to 1984, doubling the number of homes, a testament to its success.

Each cluster features its own community house, small squares, and gathering places. All homes have access to their social community and direct access to the surrounding landscape, which is fundamental to low-rise, high-density architecture. The architects chose shapes, colors, and timber cladding similar to the red and cream-colored Danish barns in the surrounding area.

Aalborg East - from an isolated vulnerable area to an inclusive community

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Aalborg East - from an isolated vulnerable area to an inclusive community

Policies and regulations Local policies Land Building capacity Public-private initiatives Participatory processes
Urban Design Urban fabrics Liveability Inclusion Public-private initiative Participatory processes
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing Public-private partnerships

Main objectives of the project

An isolated an deprived residential area in Denmark's fourth-largest city had, since its construction in the 1960s and 70s, experienced increasing decline and negative spiral. Now, Aalborg East is a mixed community, with a vivid atmosphere and centered on the well-being of its citizens. It has become a story of success in social housing policies in Europe.

Date

  • 2011: Construction
  • 2023: Ganador

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Aalborg Municipality
  • Constructor: Himmerland Boligforening

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

Aalborg East, originally established as a satellite city in the 1970s, faced significant challenges over the past years, characterized by deteriorating old buildings, primarily comprised of social housing, and a declining economy leading to escalating issues of unemployment and crime. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, a comprehensive urban transformation initiative was launched, encompassing the renovation of over 2,000 affordable homes. This ambitious endeavor was guided by two fundamental principles: the promotion of a diverse community and the active engagement of local residents throughout the process. Thus, homes were renovated, new shops were added, private homes were built and several social initiatives were adopted. Residents sat at the table as urban planners, so no homes have been demolished, and no residents have been displaced.
The whole process has been vastly affected by tenant democracy. There were building committees consisting of tenants, and every major decision was made at attendant meetings. Strong and strategic partnerships with both the public and private sector were also central because a housing association cannot do it all by themselves. For example, construction fields have been sold to private investors to densify some areas with freestanding house blocks and to diversify the economy.
In conclusion, the renovations were completed by using a variety of building types, appealing to a wider residential composition. Moreover, new infraestructure was put in place to foster the new mixed community. For instance, a new health house was built where training courses are in place, which makes the area more visible for people who would not visit Aalborg East daily. It is fair to say that the Danish social housing provider Himmerland Boligforening went further than usual, leading the way in Europe on how to integrate social housing tenants in the strategic city development as well as making them active city planners. The results are astonishing. Now Aalborg East is an area of well-being with safe areas, no crime, and great economic growth.
In 2023, the project won the NEB awards in “Prioritising the places and people that need it the most”.

Tenant’s democracy in Denmark

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Tenant’s democracy in Denmark

Policies and regulations Building capacity Participatory processes
Promotion and production Self-management

Main objectives of the project

In numerous European countries, social housing landlords have established mechanisms for tenant involvement in governance, with Denmark leading the forefront in this domain, where it has evolved into what is commonly referred to as "tenant democracy." Within this system, tenants of housing associations possess the ability to wield substantial influence over estate management.

Date

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: BL- Danish Federation of Non-Profit Housing

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

Denmark boasts a rich history of equitable housing policies spanning over a century. In 1919, through broad political consensus, Denmark pioneered a national public social housing system accessible to all. Unlike public housing models elsewhere, social housing in Denmark is not confined to low-income households but is open to all residents. Nonprofit housing organizations, where tenants are associates, develop and own the buildings, while residents actively shape their living conditions through a system of tenant democracy. Regulated extensively under Danish welfare policy, nonprofit housing development encompasses stringent controls over financing, design, construction, and management, including waiting lists for housing units. Danish law allows each municipality to allocate up to 25% of its social housing stock for marginalized communities such as refugees, the unemployed, and people with disabilities. Social housing comprises approximately 20% of Copenhagen's housing stock, while market-rate rentals and private co-ops constitute 43% and another significant portion, respectively.

A cornerstone of tenant democracy in Denmark lies in tenant boards. Each housing estate annually elects its tenant board, which subsequently forms part of a larger assembly. This assembly convenes annually to elect a board, approve budgets and rents, determine maintenance and renovation projects, and establish local rules. Tenants hold substantial power in decision-making, with the board having the final say, even on major renovations. Disputes are resolved through municipal assistance mechanisms when necessary, ensuring equitable outcomes. While tenants maintain the majority on the organization's board, municipal representatives often occupy seats as well. Thus, participatory methods, reinforcing local power and horizontal governance are the main features of the model.

To further empower tenant boards, housing associations offer various tools and resources. These include dedicated web portals for board members and a range of courses, such as an annual weekend seminar for local housing company chairpersons and chairwomen, along with meetings held in local settings with high-level executives from the housing associations.

Landsbyggefonden – the Danish national fund for non-profit housing

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Landsbyggefonden – the Danish national fund for non-profit housing

Policies and regulations National policies
Financing Financial actors Mortgage systems Public funding Progressive financing

Main objectives of the project

Denmark boasts a rich history of social housing, characterized by a unique approach that extends beyond solely catering to low-income individuals. Through a system of non-profit housing organizations, the country has fostered a model of affordable housing accessible to individuals across all income brackets. One of its most notable innovations is the Landsbyggefonden, a fund that facilitates a self-financing model for these non-profits. Once mortgage obligations are fulfilled, tenants' rents contribute to the fund, enabling the construction of new buildings or the implementation of necessary improvements.

Date

  • 1967: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Landsbyggefonden

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

Social housing in Denmark is a fundamental pillar of the country's welfare system, designed to be non-profit and inclusive, fostering a diverse tenant mix for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. Its primary aim is to provide affordable housing to all those in need. Presently, nearly one million people in Denmark—equivalent to one in six residents—reside in social and affordable housing, comprising approximately 600,000 housing units. Moreover, the proportion of social housing per capita continues to rise.

At the heart of Denmark's affordable and social housing model lies the National Building Fund, known as Landsbyggefonden (LBF). Established in 1967, LBF is instrumental in maintaining high standards of housing stock and enhancing tenant well-being. It also plays a pivotal role in counteracting economic downturns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts. Financed by tenant rents from non-profit housing organizations, LBF supports the expansion of affordable and social housing, as well as the renovation of existing properties.

Under the LBF framework, when mortgage loans for housing construction are repaid, tenants continue paying rents at the same level, with any surplus contributing to the fund as savings. This pooled resource is then utilized to finance the construction of new affordable and social housing units, as well as the refurbishment of existing ones. Such renovations encompass improvements to both interior and exterior spaces, the modernization of buildings to ensure accessibility for the elderly and disabled, and energy efficiency upgrades. Additionally, the fund covers demolition costs in socially vulnerable housing areas and supports infrastructural changes.

LBF serves as a vital mechanism for ensuring self-financing within the social and affordable housing sector, with savings being reinvested to maintain and enhance dwellings and to provide additional housing opportunities. By establishing a closed financial loop, it reduces the government's need to continually invest in new social housing and facilitates long-term planning for housing funding. Furthermore, it helps mitigate disparities in financial strength among various social housing providers and in the development costs of different estates, thereby influencing rental rates to reflect development expenses.

The fundamental goal of the Fund is to foster socially cohesive, safe, and sustainable communities, with a particular emphasis on investing in social activities and reducing rental prices. These endeavors are often organized through local partnerships involving schools, municipalities, or non-governmental organizations, with the aim of promoting employment opportunities and improving educational outcomes for tenants.

Managed by a nine-member board comprising representatives from housing organizations, tenants, and the two largest municipalities in Denmark, the budget of LBF must be approved by the housing minister to ensure effective governance and oversight.

After the success of Denmark, the idea is being used in other countries. In fact, this model is also used in Austria, with the Equity investment funds.

Circle House

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Circle House

Mismatches Climate change
Promotion and production Public promotion

Main objectives of the project

Circle House represents Denmark's pioneering venture into circular housing, aiming to disseminate knowledge and expertise on circularity principles throughout the construction sector. Positioned as a scalable lighthouse project, it offers a blueprint for sustainable construction within market parameters. Situated in the Lisbjerg Bakke district on the outskirts of Aarhus, Denmark, the project comprises 60 social housing units scheduled for completion in 2023. In 2018, a pilot program was already built on the site.

Date

  • 2018: En proceso
  • 2023: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: Realdania’s Innovation Program in Construction
  • Promotor: Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Program
  • Architect: Vandkunsten Architects
  • Architect: Lendager Group
  • Architect: 3XN/GXN

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

Beyond its primary function of providing housing, Circle House serves as a showcase for innovative approaches to circular architecture and construction, with the overarching objective of ensuring that 90% of its materials can be reused without any loss of value, thereby advancing sustainability within the industry. The project's buildings are designed to be dismantlable, allowing their structural components to be reused with minimal loss of value. Circle House comprises a variety of building systems that can be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled into other structures while retaining their economic and aesthetic value. It encompasses three typologies: a mix of two- and three-storey terraced houses and 5-storey tower blocks, including approximately 100 m2 of communal facilities. The building density on site ranges from 65% to 80%.

The project is focused on addressing the challenges associated with circular construction, including the renewal of traditional business models and the development of legislation that supports recycling. As a result, Circle House examines value chains, business models, business cases, and regulatory frameworks. The project disseminates its findings and achievements through extensive discussions about circular construction across the industry.

Funding for the project was provided by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the philanthropic association Realdania. Additionally, over 30 enterprises from the Danish construction sector, spanning the entire value chain, are involved in the project. The architectural design of the building was conceived by a Collaboration Studio consisting of 3XN/GXN, Lendager Group, and Vandkunsten Architects.

Aalborg East - from an isolated vulnerable area to an inclusive community

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Aalborg East - from an isolated vulnerable area to an inclusive community

Policies and regulations Local policies Land Building capacity Public-private initiatives Participatory processes
Urban Design Urban fabrics Liveability Inclusion Participatory processes
Promotion and production Participatory processes
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

An isolated an deprived residential area in Denmark's fourth-largest city had, since its construction in the 1960s and 70s, experienced increasing decline and negative spiral. Now, Aalborg East is a mixed community, with a vivid atmosphere and centered on the well-being of its citizens. It has become a story of success in social housing policies in Europe.

Date

  • 2023: Ganador
  • 2011: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: Himmerland Boligforening
  • Promotor: Aalborg Municipality

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

Aalborg East, originally established as a satellite city in the 1970s, faced significant challenges over the past years, characterized by deteriorating old buildings, primarily comprised of social housing, and a declining economy leading to escalating issues of unemployment and crime. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, a comprehensive urban transformation initiative was launched, encompassing the renovation of over 2,000 affordable homes. This ambitious endeavor was guided by two fundamental principles: the promotion of a diverse community and the active engagement of local residents throughout the process. Thus, homes were renovated, new shops were added, private homes were built and several social initiatives were adopted. Residents sat at the table as urban planners, so no homes have been demolished, and no residents have been displaced.

The whole process has been vastly affected by tenant democracy. There were building committees consisting of tenants, and every major decision was made at attendant meetings. Strong and strategic partnerships with both the public and private sector were also central because a housing association cannot do it all by themselves. For example, construction fields have been sold to private investors to densify some areas with freestanding house blocks and to diversify the economy.

In conclusion, the renovations were completed by using a variety of building types, appealing to a wider residential composition. Moreover, new infraestructure was put in place to foster the new mixed community. For instance, a new health house was built where training courses are in place, which makes the area more visible for people who would not visit Aalborg East daily. It is fair to say that the Danish social housing provider Himmerland Boligforening went further than usual, leading the way in Europe on how to integrate social housing tenants in the strategic city development as well as making them active city planners. The results are astonishing. Now Aalborg East is an area of well-being with safe areas, no crime, and great economic growth.

In 2023, the project won the NEB awards in “Prioritising the places and people that need it the most”.

Dianas Have Housing Complex

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Dianas Have Housing Complex

Mismatches
Policies and regulations
Urban Design

Main objectives of the project

The main objectives of the 1989 housing scheme competition near Horsholm's historical town center, involving Vandkunsten and five other architectural offices, centered on seamlessly integrating with the extraordinary natural setting. The design aimed to create a paradisiacal forest atmosphere within an urban housing area while addressing the challenge of inserting itself as a transitional wedge between different housing types to the east and west. Emphasizing respect for the surroundings and the site's unique ambiguities, the project sought a harmonious blend of inspiration, context sensitivity, and thoughtful urban planning.

Date

  • 1992: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Michael Sten Johnsen
  • Architect: Svend Algren
  • Architect: Steffen Kragh
  • Architect: Jens Thomas Arnfred

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

In the spring of 1989, six architectural offices, including Vandkunsten were invited to participate in a design competition for a housing scheme on an extraordinary site near the historical town center of Horsholm.

When the treetops and low foliage block out the view of the surrounding properties, and one stands in one of the small clearings, and almost paradisiacal forest atmosphere can be experienced, one that is rarely found so close to an urban housing area. To be in an almost untouched natural setting, so close to Horsholm’s center is one of the subtle ambiguities of this “place”.
Another ambiguity or perhaps even a double entendre arises from the existing buildings to the east and west of the site. This exclusive property forms a transition between the high-lying, old villas on large tracts to the east, and the very distinctive housing blocks to the west. This situations, in which the new scheme is forced to insert itself as a wedge between two quite different housing types, was a decisive factor in planning the scheme.

Aside from the inspiration provided by the atmosphere of the place, and the respect for the surrounding housing, a number of circumstances had an influence on disposition of the main plan.

8 House

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8 House

Urban Design Urban fabrics Services and infrastructure Environments Quality Inclusion

Main objectives of the project

8 House is a 62,000 m2 building that combines suburban tranquility with urban energy. It offers a variety of accommodations, including apartments, penthouses, and townhouses. The design by BIG incorporates elements of townhouses and functionalistic architecture, creating a cohesive structure with varying heights and abundant light. The building features communal facilities and a passage connecting surrounding areas. The apartments enjoy views and fresh air, while the commercial spaces interact with the street. With 476 residential units and 10,000 m2 of businesses, 8 House emphasizes durability and low maintenance materials. It optimizes natural light, heating, and ventilation, and incorporates green roofs for environmental benefits and visual appeal.

Date

  • 2010: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Copenhagen
Country/Region: Copenhagen, Denmark

Description

8 House is where you will find the attention to detail embedded in a larger context. Here, closeness thrives in the 62,000 m2 building. This is where the tranquility of suburban life goes hand in hand with the energy of a big city, where business and housing co-exist. 8 House is where common areas and facilities merge with personal life, and where you can reach for the stars at the top of the building’s green areas. The building’s housing program offers three kinds of accommodation: apartments of varied sizes, penthouses and townhouses. With a mix of suburban tranquillity and urban energy, the townhouse and its open housing is ideal for the modern family, while singles and couples may find the apartments more attractive. And for those who live life to the fullest, the penthouses function as a playground with fantastic views over the canal and Southern Copenhagen.

8 House is designed by BIG who has been partly inspired by classic townhouses as well as the open, democratic nature of functionalistic architecture. The architects have designed a long, coherent house with immense differences in height, creating a strong inflow of light and a unique local community with small gardens and pathways. The bow-shaped building creates two distinct spaces, separated by the centre of the bow which hosts the communal facilities of 500 m2. At the very same spot, the building is penetrated by a 9 meter wide passage that connects the two surrounding city spaces: the park area to the west and the channel area to the east. Instead of dividing the different functions of the building – for both habitation and trades – into separate blocks, the various functions have been spread out horizontally. The apartments are placed at the top while the commercial program unfolds at the base of the building. As a result, the different horizontal layers have achieved a quality of their own: the apartments benefit from the view, sunlight and fresh air, while the office leases merge with life on the street. 8 House, 52,000 m2 accommodates 476 residential units. The base consists of 10,000 m2 businesses, spread out at street level alongside the surrounding main streets, and the Northern court yard that houses an office building. 8 House is partly for rent and partly residential property varying from 65 to 144 m2. Emphasis has been placed on using materials which have a long durability and require little to no maintenance such as hardwood windows, concrete construction, oak flooring, metal panelling, and granite pavers.

The shape of 8 House which is literally “hoisted up” in the North East corner and “squeezed down” at the South West corner, allowing light and air to enter the court yard in the middle, optimizing daylight and natural heating for all inhabitants along with natural ventilation; Rainwater is collected in a storm water management system. Two sloping green roofs totaling 1,700 m2 are strategically placed to reduce the urban heat island effect as well as providing the visual identity to the project and tying it back to the adjacent farmlands.

Authors:

VM Houses

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VM Houses

Urban Design

Main objectives of the project

The VM Houses, located in Ørestaden, Copenhagen, are a residential project designed with a distinct V and M shape. The buildings are strategically twisted and turned to maximize views and eliminate obstructed sightlines between blocks. The V house features balcony condos, while the M-house offers a modern take on Le Corbusier's Unite d’habitation with improved circulation and views. The unique wedge-shaped balconies on the south facade create a sense of community and connection among neighbors. With over 80 unique apartment types out of 225 units, the complex composition of the VM Houses resembles a three-dimensional game of Tetris. The buildings showcase large glass facades, elegant wood framing, solid oak wood floors, and white concrete walls and ceilings. Extensive daylight simulations were conducted to optimize views and solar orientation, ensuring every unit receives direct sunlight throughout the year.

Date

  • 2005: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
  • Architect: JDSA / Julien De Smedt Architects

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Copenhagen
Country/Region: Copenhagen, Denmark

Description

The VM Houses, shaped like a V and an M when seen from the sky, is the first residential project that was built in the new district of Copenhagen known as Ørestaden. Through a series of transformations the block is opened up, and twisted and turned to ensure maximum views of the surrounding landscapes and suburbs, as well as eliminate the vis-a-vis between the blocks.

The V house is conceived as a balcony condo, the M-house as an Unite d’habitation version 2.0. But where Le Corbusier designed narrow flats surrounding hundreds of meters of dead end corridors, the zigzagging of the M-house ensures that all corridors have views and daylight in both directions. These openings transform the circulation into an attractive social space. For the south façade facing the park we designed a new type of balcony- a wedge shaped plane that combines minimum shade with maximum cantilever. On a warm summer afternoon, the wall of balconies form a vertical backyard community, creating connections to neighbours in a vertical radius of 10m. As a result of the zigzagging, stepping, sloping, intricate circulation and multilevel apartments, the VM houses are populated by a swarm of different apartments. Out of 225 units there are more than 80 unique types. The many multilevel apartment types interlock in complex compositions on the façade, transforming the exterior of the VM houses in to a three dimensional game of Tetris.

The VM Houses are made up of simple but exquisite materials with large glass facades framed by fancy wood. Floors are made up of solid oak wood, and dark, hard wood have been used for the balcony floors. Walls and ceilings appear with a somewhat raw finish in white concrete, and all internal stairs and handrails come in white painted steel. All the apartments’ external walls are made up of glass.

To ensure that the VM shape was optimal with respect to views and solar orientation, a number of daylight simulations were made simulating light at different times of day and year. By using the studies we were able to design a building with 225 units where all are guaranteed direct sunlight, everyday throughout the year.

Authors:

The Mountain

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The Mountain

Urban Design

Main objectives of the project

The Mountain Dwellings in Copenhagen, Denmark, combine parking and living spaces in a unique way. The terraced residences cascade from the 11th floor to the street edge, utilizing the parking area as a concrete hillside base. All apartments have roof gardens for sunlight and views. The building creates a suburban neighborhood feel within an urban density. The roof gardens change with the seasons and are maintained by a watering system. Glass facades with sliding doors separate the apartments from the gardens, providing light and fresh air. The building offers convenient parking with 480 spots and a sloping elevator. Perforated aluminum plates on the north and west facades create a striking visual of Mount Everest. The apartments are naturally heated, lit, and cooled, with south-facing orientation and natural ventilation. The Mountain Dwellings provide a balance between city life and suburban tranquility.

Date

  • 2008: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
  • Architect:  JDSA / Julien De Smedt Architects

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Copenhagen
Country/Region: Copenhagen, Denmark

Description

The Mountain Dwellings are located in Ørestaden, a new urban development in Copenhagen, Denmark. The program consist of 2/3 parking and 1/3 living. Rather than doing two separate buildings next to each other, we decided to let the parking area become the base for the terraced residences – like a concrete hillside covered by a thin layer of housing, cascading from the 11th floor to the street edge. In this way we merge the two functions into a symbiotic relationship. The parking area needs to be connected to the street, and the homes require sunlight, fresh air and views, thus all apartments have roof gardens facing the sun and amazing views.

The Mountain Dwellings appear as a suburban neighbourhood of garden-residences overflowing a 10-storey building – suburban living with urban density. The roof gardens consist of a terrace and a garden with plants changing character according to the changing seasons. The building has a huge watering system which maintains the roof gardens. The only thing that separates the apartment and the garden is a glass façade with sliding doors to provide light and fresh air. The residents of the 80 apartments will be the first in the quarter Ørestaden to have the possibility of parking directly outside their homes. The gigantic parking area contains 480 parking spots and a sloping elevator that moves along the mountain’s inner walls. In some places the ceiling height is up to 16 meters which gives the impression of a cathedral-like space. The north and west facades are covered by perforated aluminium plates, which let in air and light to the parking area. The holes in the facade form a huge reproduction of Mount Everest. At day the holes in the aluminium plates will appear black on the bright aluminium, and the gigantic picture will resemble that of a rough rasterized photo. At night time the facade will be lit from the inside and appear as a photo negative in different colours as each floor in the parking area has different colours. The Mountain Dwellings is located in Ørestad city and offer the best of two worlds: closeness to the hectic city life in the centre of Copenhagen, and the tranquillity characteristic of suburban life.

The entire building is naturally heated and lighted, as all apartments are oriented southward with large glazed areas/windows to let in sunlight. They are also cooled by natural ventilation. The parking lot/area is covered by perforated aluminum plates, which let in fresh air and light to the parking area. The building also has a watering system which maintains the roof gardens by redistributing rain through drip irrigation.

Authors: