by Henning Larsen’s eco-based school design
This rural hotel was designed with sustainability and eco-innovation in mind School extension on Denmark is a striking model for a climate-neutral future. Planned by Copenhagen Architectural Office Henning Larsen, the goal of the project was an architecture that captures more carbon than it emits. Measuring 250 m² (2700 sq ft), the structure is made almost entirely of wood and straw and prides itself on being the studio’s most ambitious project to date. The program is designed for science classes “For a generation that will grow up with the weight of the climate crisis”.
‘We know we cannot wait for policymakers to push the green agenda, we must face the weight of our design decisions, change our practices, improve ourselves and advance our industry. By looking critically at the production line as a whole, we have shown that quality and function are not compromised by using fewer resources. Straw is a fast-growing renewable resource and a by-product of agriculture; a great alternative to making new materials. For this project, the straw was sourced from nearby neighboring fields,” Jakob Strømann, Director for Sustainability and Innovation, mentioned Henning Larsen.
all pictures Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST
Healthy and sustainable educational space
This project is redefining the standards of sustainable architecture and seeks to act as a spur to future generations and educate community members who are committed to creating a more sustainable world. The structure celebrates sustainable architecture without compromising practicality and aesthetics. Using mostly renewable materials as viable alternatives to concrete, brick and steel, the resulting design captures rather than emits CO2 and creates a great indoor climate.
The architecture team has partnered with Danish philanthropic organization Realdania and EcoCocon to develop a pioneering carbon neutral structure. A massive gable roof made entirely of wood tops the building, which uses a compressed-thatch panel system and a seagrass ventilation system. The latter is a common alga found along the coasts of the northern hemisphere.
According to Henning Larsen Architects, they have created a design framework that takes the health of the planet into account and follows five ambitious principles: incorporation of sustainably sourced, renewable, bio-based materials to sequester carbon; Reusing local materials to save resources and energy; use materials free from toxic chemicals; ensure a healthy indoor climate, ensure natural ventilation and reduce energy consumption; Design for disassembly, for component reuse in the future. By applying these principles, they were able to successfully reduce the structure’s footprint to 6 kg of CO2 per square meter per year, with an expected lifespan of 50 years.
Certified, locally produced timber and untreated plywood make up the roof, interior walls and built-in furniture.
The natural materials give the interior a warm, inviting atmosphere. This choice of materials eliminates the need for large ventilation ducts or suspended ceilings and makes the rooms generous and high. The building’s natural and passive ventilation systems reduce energy consumption for operation. Solar panels will be installed on the roof to further reduce the need for external sources.
The permeable nature of straw and the seagrass air filters allow moisture to escape and create a self-regulating indoor climate. Following the principles of a circular economy, the entire structure can be easily disassembled, reinstalled and reused, while its parts can be recycled in the future.
“With the Feldballe School as a testing ground for the integration of novel solutions, we are already in the process of enlarging this model for a 13,000 m2 project. With an agenda that extends far beyond the 2700 square meters of the site, our work
on Feldball School serves as a guide, not only for ourselves but also for others, when it comes to tackling our industry’s carbon emissions throughout the value chain. The result of this is a new aesthetic language that goes far beyond mere eye-pleasing or grandeur, it is hemmed with social and environmental responsibility and, more importantly, a powerful proposition for both.” explained Jakob Strømann.
Integration of bio-based materials in the construction
Creating a home for the training of future leaders
