HK and KL

More pictures from the project

Address: Ny Tøjhusgrunden, Copenhagen
Client: HK Danmark and Local Government Denmark
Architect: Arkitema
Landscape: Arkitema
Engineers: Peter Lind and Hansen, Carlsen & Frølund
Building contractor: Skanska Danmark A/S
Size: HK 14,000 m² , KL 13,000 m²
Construction: 2002

Both buildings are the same height and width, and speak broadly the same language. Both are erected on granite-clad bases, and both extend towards a pool that forms a unifying element at the Tøjhusgrunden site. The kinship is not coincidental, inasmuch as the architectural competitions for the two head offices were simultaneous and almost identical.
The buildings' design and facades are very much determined by their location on one of Copenhagen's busiest roads, Amager Boulevard. In order to create an effective shield against traffic noise, the buildings were ’wrapped’ in an extra climate screen.
The buildings are outwardly simple and classic in their modules and construction.
The double facades create depth, and a contrast-rich interplay arises between the outer layer of rational glass and steel and the textural wooden frames of the inner facades.
The facades are open and transparent structures which assume character when in use, and allow the building's inhabitants to lend them colour. At some points the facade is partially or wholly closed, while elsewhere, figures can be made out as silhouettes behind the semi-transparent facades. The facades reflect the buildings' functional divisions. The bases are made of the same type of granite as the forecourt surface, and are perceived as a development, or a folding, of the terrain. The light buildings rise above the heavy granite bases which form their ’floor’.
The ground floors are equipped with transparent glass facades, which are recessed, and above which the semi-transparent four-storey volumes appear almost to ’float’. On top, the penthouse floors pull back and mark the buildings' conclusion. Under the raised base are two cellars with parking facilities, staff rooms, bicycle cellars, storerooms and equipment rooms, etc.
Both buildings are equipped with central atriums which bring light into their interiors. The organisations' 'public' functions are located on the buildings' open ground floors – both the central common activities and the representational and outwardly-directed functions – while the floors above house the organisations' more private office areas. In both buildings, the office floors are flexible and can be organised as open-plan offices or as smaller office spaces, according to requirements.