The design for the headquarters of Nykredit, one of Denmark’s leading mortgage banks, is conceived as a transparent cube, providing clear visual connections with Copenhagen Harbour. The ten-storey glass structure is one of Copenhagen’s largest office buildings and features a dramatic atrium flooded with natural light providing links to all levels. 

The entrance level houses a reception area, a water sculpture by artist Anita Jørgensen and an auditorium. A staircase leads up to the atrium where suspended meeting rooms, glass elevators, staircases, balconies and walkways create a lively working environment; three cantilevered glazed meeting rooms are suspended from the third and fifth floors.

Several internationally recognised artists have contributed to the decoration of the building. Olav Christopher Jenssen created a 30 metres long mural, while a giant bronze sculpture by sculptor Per Kirkeby stands centre stage in the atrium. Kirkeby also designed the adjacent plaza, enlivened by 20 bronze sculptures.

Despite the building’s vast glass façades, thermal load is reduced by using the water from the nearby harbour to cool the building. In addition, the double layer façade is designed with sections that can be opened for natural ventilation. The roof also features opening panels providing further natural ventilation.

Facts/
Client
Nykredit

Area
24,000 m²
  
Competition
1998, 1st prize in restricted international competition
 
Status
Construction period 1999 - 2001

Engineer
Carl Bro

Landscape Architects
GHB Landscape

Interior design
shldesign

Awards
2002, FX International Interior Design Award in the category Best Office Building 
2001, The Architecture Prize of the Municipality of Copenhagen 

Photographer
Adam Mørk