Architectural Renovation: A Driving Force Behind Urban Transition
Given that more than 75% of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the building sector come from the operational phase, the transformation of the existing building stock is now emerging as a strategic lever for the ecological transition. In Europe, it is estimated that 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built, making renovation far more crucial than new construction. Faced with this climate emergency and the need for land-use efficiency, many countries are committing to ambitious renovation policies. Denmark is a pioneer in this area.
Why Denmark? This Nordic country is distinguished by an architectural culture firmly rooted in sustainability, quality of life, and a sense of place. In a context where land is scarce and climate challenges are pressing, Denmark is increasingly prioritizing the reuse of existing structures, the transformation of former industrial sites, office buildings, or obsolete infrastructure, and the use of bio-based or reused materials.
In 2024, the city of Aarhus announced that nearly 60% of its ongoing urban projects involved the renovation of existing buildings, while Copenhagen is pursuing ambitious carbon-neutrality goals by 2025, notably by promoting circular architecture. This model—which incorporates the reuse of materials, reversibility of use, and design for deconstruction—is at the heart of several landmark projects across the country.
In this article, we present seven sustainable architectural renovation projects—mostly located in Jutland—that showcase Denmark’s creativity and commitment to the environment. From the transformation of a power plant into an educational center to the conversion of a former tobacco factory into housing certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, these projects serve as sources of inspiration for public officials, urban planners, architects, and developers seeking responsible and innovative solutions.
For over 10 years, NORDIC INSITE has been designing custom study tours throughout Scandinaviafor professionals seeking to observe these transformative dynamics firsthand. Far from being utopian, these projects demonstrate what can be achieved when architectural ambition, restraint, and pragmatism come together to serve local communities.
Examples of Sustainable Architectural Renovation in Denmark
1. Tscherninghuset: Ballerup (Copenhagen)
In Ballerup, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, the firm Tscherning has completed an exemplary renovation of its own headquarters. The building, originally used as office space, was completely transformed using an approach based on the reuse of materials, achieving an impressive reuse rate of 89 percent.
This achievement places the project among the pioneers ofcircular architecture in Denmark.
But beyond the environmental aspect, the project also addresses human-centered considerations: the interior design has been completely reimagined to optimize natural light, acoustic quality, and thermal comfort, thereby promoting employee well-being. The existing structure was preserved and enhanced, reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint.
With Tscherninghuset, Denmark demonstrates that sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics are not mutually exclusive, even in work environments.
2. KB32: Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects (Copenhagen)
Through the KB32 project, the architects at Vilhelm Lauritzen took on a building that was a product of 1970s Danish Brutalism. Located in the Valby neighborhood of Copenhagen, this once-austere building has been transformed into bright, modern, and energy-efficient office spaces, while retaining its original identity.
The main challenge: to breathe new life into a building perceived as “difficult” by making the most of natural light, flexible spaces, and innovative technical solutions to improve energy efficiency. The original materials were preserved as much as possible, and new elements were integrated in a way that creates a respectful contrast, establishing a subtle architectural dialogue between the past and the present.
KB32 is now cited as a model for rehabilitation that respects modern architectural heritage, capable of appealing to both users and urban planners.
3. ObelHus: Aalborg
In Aalborg, in northern Jutland, the former Obel tobacco factory, built in 1936, has been completely renovated to house sustainable residential units, giving rise to the ObelHus project designed by C.F. Møller Architects. This project is the first in Jutland to receive the prestigious Nordic Swan Ecolabel certification, which guarantees high standards in environmental performance, indoor health, and resource management.
The project takes a holistic approach to renovation: high-performance insulation, dual-flow ventilation to ensure excellent air quality, energy optimization, as well as a strong focus on design and the comfort of future residents. The original structures have been partially preserved, creating a dialogue between industrial heritage and modern living.
ObelHus illustrates how an iconic industrial heritage building can be elegantly converted into a model of sustainable housing while retaining its identity.
4. Sønderborg Multicultural House: Sønderborg
On the shores of the Sønderborg Fjord, a former military and port site has been transformed into an iconic cultural venue: Multikulturhuset. This project, led by AART Architects, now houses several functions: a media library, an art gallery, coworking spaces, and a community center. This open and inclusive space embodies the flexibility of use and the spirit of collaboration with local stakeholders.
The project stands out for its subtle integration into the coastal landscape and the quality of its common areas. The existing structure was redesigned to promote interaction, accessibility, and flexibility. It is an excellent example of a renovation focused on social utility, where the built heritage serves as a catalyst for connection and inclusion.
The Sønderborg Multicultural House demonstrates how a well-thought-out architectural transformation can foster a sense of community, serving the needs of its residents.
5. The Light Bulb: Åbenrå
In the city of Åbenrå, a former power plant has been brilliantly renovated into an innovative educational center. Named “The Light Bulb,” this project perfectly combines the preservation of industrial architecture with modern uses.
The architects focused on exceptionally effective integration of natural light, highlighting the original structure while generously opening up the spaces. Existing materials were preserved as much as possible, and the building’s volumetry was utilized to create stimulating, open, and inspiring learning environments.
This project is a perfect example of how a space that was once technical and closed off can become a hub for knowledge sharing, in line with contemporary educational needs and the values of sustainability.
The Drivers of Sustainable Architectural Transformation
Beyond the diversity of programs and regions, the projects presented above share several fundamental principles that form the pillars of responsible and contemporary urban renewal. These approaches can inspire similar initiatives in France and elsewhere in Europe.
🧱 Reuse & Circular Architecture
The examples of Tscherninghuset andObelHus clearly illustrate the growing trend toward material reuse in Danish projects. Concrete, partitions, woodwork, and utility ducts are removed, reused, or repurposed on-site. This approach drastically reduces waste and the carbon footprint of construction sites, while giving materials a second life.
🧠 Reversibility of use
Renovation also means anticipating future changes in how a space will be used. Many Danish projects are designed with reversibility in mind: an old warehouse becomes a cultural center, a power plant is transformed into an educational center, and office buildings can be converted into residential spaces. This architectural flexibility extends the lifespan of buildings while making cities more resilient.
🤝 Co-creation and collaborative management
The Multicultural House in Sønderborg is a perfect example of this: a space designed with and for its users. More and more projects are involving citizens, community organizations, and future occupants right from the design phase. This approach fostersa sense of ownership of the spaces and ensures the social sustainability of the transformation projects.
🌳 Landscape Integration and Biodiversity
Danish renovation projects go beyond just the walls.The immediate surroundings of buildings are redesigned to incorporate green roofs, lush interior courtyards, or open structures that promote natural ventilation and biodiversity. These elements enhance energy efficiency, improve the quality of life, and address climate adaptation challenges.
What These Projects Teach Us
Practical Lessons for France and Europe
These projects show that transforming existing structures can be just as innovative—if not more so—than building from scratch. They demonstrate the value of prioritizing simplicity, reuse, reversibility, and cooperation. French architects, local governments, developers, and urban planners can learn a great deal from these approaches, which are ambitious, frugal, and feasible.
They also show that architectural transformation, when done well, makes it possible to reconcile climate challenges, the history of a place, and the well-being of its users.
Why not go out and see them for yourself?
At NORDIC INSITE, we have been designing customized study tours throughout Scandinavia for over 10 years, tailored for local governments, housing authorities, urban planning agencies, developers, and architects seeking practical inspiration from innovative projects.
Our programs allow you to meet key stakeholders, visit iconic projects, and talk with the architects, engineers, or managers of these sites.
➡️ Download our brochure or contact us directly: 📩 contact@nordic-insite.dk
