Copenhagen,
18
May
2021
|
09:00
Europe/Copenhagen

VELUX Group appoints Praksis Arkitekter to design new innovation building

Praksis Arkitekter won an architecture competition to transform an old timber warehouse at VELUX Group’s largest production site into a best-in-class centre for innovation.

Located at Østbirk, in Denmark, the building will be operational in 2023 and will provide an inspirational environment for around 500 colleagues to work on VELUX product development.

It has been an exciting competition, where we saw lots of inspiring building designs from many talented architects. The designs by Praksis Arkitekter are outstanding because they: embody the atmosphere we want to create in the building; amplify our strong focus on sustainability and the creation of healthy indoor climates; bring the outdoors in; and last but not least, respect the charm and history of this old and beautiful building,
said Tina Mayn, Senior Vice President Products, VELUX Group.

Praksis Arkitekter won over three other architect firms: 3XN, Arkitema+Arcgency, and Cobe+Erik arkitekter. These four firms were chosen to participate in the design competition after winning a prequalification round involving nine architect firms in total.

We are truly honoured to have been chosen to design VELUX Group’s new innovation building. Our designs aim to combine this building’s authenticity with the functional needs of the future in a sustainable manner and in harmony with the surrounding landscape. It is a very exciting project and we look forward to closely collaborating with the project team as we work towards creating the best imaginable innovation workplace for VELUX,
said Mette Tony, Founding Partner, Praksis Arkitekter.

VELUX Group chose Praksis Arkitekter because its design proposals:

  • respect the legacy of the existing warehouse and the company’s values;
  • focus heavily on bringing light and air into most indoor spaces;
  • integrate nature into the building, so that each work area has a view to a green courtyard or the surrounding landscape;
  • have a flexible internal modular-based grid system that can be easily adapted to changing workplace needs;
  • provide an atmosphere that is conducive to creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship;
  • allow for easy adjustment of temperature, daylight and air circulation in any given workspace;
  • use recycled materials and reuse existing materials where possible;
  • include photovoltaic panels on the roof for generating solar energy for C02 neutral operations;
  • make outdoor areas greener through the planting of trees.

About the innovation building

The existing 9,500 m2 timber building was originally inaugurated in 1995 as a warehouse. The repurposed building is expected to be completed in 2023. It will bring together most of the product development VELUX Group does, which is today spread over several locations in Denmark and abroad. It is expected to make VELUX a particularly attractive workplace within innovation and product development in a best-in-class and inspirational environment. VELUX expects to invest almost DKK 200 m in establishing its new innovation building.

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About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.