Denmark University Building Meets Energy-Use Caps with Innovative Façade
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The University of Southern Denmark’s new building in Kolding, designed by Henning Larsen Architects
, is the first university structure to meet strict new local caps on energy use, due in part to its dynamic solar-shading system.
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The solar-shading system is equipped with sensors that measure light and heat levels and continually adjust the façade’s approximately 1,600 perforated steel triangular shutters with a small motor.
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The ceiling is designed to reduce energy consumption through diffusion of air, and it also reduced construction costs by forgoing the ventilation aggregates and ducts that are typically used. An air intake and exhaust network is masked by suspended white-painted perforated plywood panels.
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The nearly 147,465-square-foot triangular building houses the university’s communications, design, culture, and languages departments.
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The structure, which includes a five-story atrium, features a repeating triangular shape through the placement of the stairways and balconies.
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German artist Tobias Rehberger created works and installations for the structure, which included painting some of the façade’s panels. He was chosen by a committee that consisted of representatives from Henning Larsen Architects, the university, and the Danish Building and Property Agency. Rehberger’s theme was “time,” so clocks are integrated throughout the building.
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The building was nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture–Mies van der Rohe Award 2015, and it also won a Danish award for its aluminum façade.