COBE envisions urban silo for copenhagen's nordhavnen district

COBE envisions urban silo for copenhagen’s nordhavnen district
image © COBE
all images courtesy of COBE

forming the centerpiece of the redeveloped nordhavnen district in copenhagen, danish firm COBE has revealed plans for the transformation of a 17-storey silo. the existing industrial structure, which stands at a height of 62 meters, is to be converted into a residential apartment building, with public functions including exhibitions, events, and dining facilities contained at the upper and lower levels of the design.

a communal program at ground floor level ensures a lively and active streetscape
image © COBE

owing to the silo’s previous program, (the storage and handling of grain), each storey varies spatially – resulting in 40 different apartments types. each unit has large panoramic windows and angular balconies offering expansive views across the city below. the project, which is under construction, is expected to be completed before the end of 2016.

the building towers above the harbor, offering panoramic views from its 17 storeys
image © COBE

‘the architectural concept for the transformation of the building is about using the original potential, preserving and enhancing the distinctive character of the silo,’ explains dan stubbergaard, founder and creative director at COBE. ‘with the transformation, the silo will be wrapped in a new façade that upgrades the former industrial building to current standards.

‘however, the existing interior of the silo will be preserved as much as possible and the raw industrial architecture will be a visible element. so, apart from unique views and ultra-modern apartments, the new inhabitants will also have one of a kind spatiality with historic remnants such as visible concrete columns and walls’.

angular balconies protrude from the monolithic structure
image © COBE

the project’s owner and developer klaus kastbjerg continues, ‘the silo is a well-known building to many copenhageners and is an icon in nordhavnen. furthermore, the silo is the largest industrial building in nordhavnen and it has a majestic slenderness. it is a landmark in the industrial landscape – right where oresund meets copenhagen.

‘the exciting thing about old industrial property is how to preserve their soul and at the same time use them for something else, when the original use is terminated. with this project we want to maintain the familiar identity of the silo and at the same time renew and transform it into a modern landmark for nordhavnen’.

public dining facilities positioned at the uppermost level of the plan
image © COBE

internal spaces have ceilings up to a height of eight meters
image © COBE

the 62 meter silo prior to its transformation
image © rasmus hjortshõj

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project info:

location: nordhavnen, copenhagen, denmark
client: union holding by klaus kastbjerg
architects: COBE
engineers: wessberg og alectia
program: transformation of existing grain silo into housing and public functions
size: 8,500 sqm (91,493 sqf)
status: ongoing, completed end of 2016