the wave by henning larsen architects reaches completion in denmark

copenhagen-based practice, henning larsen architects, marks the completion of ‘the wave’ apartment building in vejle, denmark. construction on the 14,000 square meter complex began in 2006, but due to the global financial crisis in 2008 the project was interrupted and eventually spanned an eleven-year build period. inspired by the landscape of the area, ‘the wave’ marks a new sculptural landmark of vejle. the clear and easily recognisable signature of the structure connects the residential zone with the sea, the landscape and the town. during the day the white waves are reflected in the water and at night the characteristic profile resembles illuminated multi-colored mountains.

all images © jacob due

the building is articulated by the five consecutive wave-shaped forms lining the water along vejle fjord. the international recession of 2008 interrupted construction after the completion of only two towers. however, even when only partially completed, the initial stage of ‘the wave’ drew widespread attention. the towers were named ‘residential building of the year’ by danish trade magazine byggeri in 2009, followed by an abb leaf award for innovative architecture in 2012, and the prestigious civic trust award in 2013 – the first time a danish architecture firm won in 51 years.

after construction efforts were re-initiated in 2015, the final three towers are now complete – fulfilling the architect’s original vision and becoming an architectural tribute to local heritage and geography. søren øllgaard, partner and design director at henning larsen explains, ‘we designed the wave as striking new presence in the vejle skyline, one that reflects and embodies the surrounding area. we feel our design merges our own contemporary designs with a strong sense of local identity.’

project info:

project name: ‘the wave’

architect: henning larsen architects

location: vejle, denmark

images: jacob due