'the lantern' maritime center by WERK arkitekter & snøhetta lights up the danish west coast

WERK Arkitekter & Snøhetta’s social maritime hub opens its doors

Esbjerg’s maritime center opens its doors to the public and lights up the seaport town in Denmark. Following a design competition in 2019, the winning proposal by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta introduces a gathering hub and architectural landmark for the region. Named ‘The Lantern’, the maritime center will operate as a shared space with a number of functions, including watersport clubs and social spaces. The architecture embraces a circular, open design, accessible from different angles that invite both young and old to activity, engagement, and interaction. More specifically, the scheme houses boat storage, training facilities, a large workshop space, and other social functions, serving as a dedicated hub for maritime activities. Esbjerg Martime Center, Denmark | Photos from completion December 2022 ©wichmann+bendtsen photograph

a close connection between the city and the sea 

‘The goal has been to create a unique destination that lights up the Danish West Coast, so everyone can find their way to new communities at the sea,’ says Thomas Kock, Creative Director at WERK Arkitekter (see more here).

The lower level of the facility shapes a direct link to the sea by a bridge, hosting the boat storage and workshop space. The upper floor accommodates various institutions, such as rowing, kayaking, sailing, diving, and triathlon clubs, as well as common areas, an educational center, and training facilities. Multi-sized openings pierce the façade, allowing abundant daylight to spill over the interior. When the sun goes down, a warm glow animates the center, giving the impression of a floating lighthouse from afar. 

The lantern brings together Esbjerg Havn’s associations under a common roof, with its combination of both social and sports-related spaces.‘The maritime center has room for everyone; from the experienced diver or professional kayaker to a crab-fishing school class or a random passer-by. The Lantern invites everyone to a peek inside the maritime life and outwards to the sea with its endless horizon,’ says Foray, senior architect and project manager at Snøhetta (more here).

the circular design invites visitors in from every angle 

a place of shelter

‘With a vision to create a space that unites the poetical with the practical, the Maritime Center aims to find a balance between the mesmerizing and never-ending movements of the sea and practical everyday chores. A symbiosis between the beautiful and the raw, the elegant and the robust,’ as the official Snøhetta’s press release states.

The architecture is expressed in a robust volume that creates shelter from strong winds and water in case of flooding over the new surrounding dam. Accordingly, the structure up to the first floor is made of concrete, poured in one go, while the rest utilizes wood which adds to its resistance to harsh weather conditions. Throughout the center, visitors can find protected spaces to linger and socialize, as well as to enjoy the view of the sea. A lifted, publicly accessible terrace is the heart of the project, inviting guests to gather and change experiences about the sea and marine time. Protected from the harsh climate, the center introduces a naturally-lit social hub, bringing a feeling of openness and inclusiveness.

the robust volumetry shields the building from strong winds

when dark, the building emits soft light, becoming the landmark for the Port of Esbjerg

the lantern is a bridge between the land and the sea

the wooden façade enables its resistance to intense weather conditions

the building offers protected areas where one can linger and unwind

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project info:

name: The Lantern

architects: WERK Arkitekter | @werk_arkitekter and Snøhetta| @snohetta

area: approx. 2800 m2 (approx. 3800m2 incl. terrace and boat storage)

location: Esbjerg, Denmark 
​client: Esbjerg Municipality ​
materials: approximately 65 kilometers of European, thermo-treated pine tree is used for the building’s facade and roof construction

photography: ©wichmann+bendtsen photograph | @wichmannbendtsen