MTB housing
IDENTITY,URBAN DENSITY AND TRANSFORMATION
transformation
The notion of urban and architectural transformation has become a key concept in our strategy for obtaining a CO2-reductive effect. It appears that this concept works both as an architectural and a CO2-reducing strategy.
First generation of green buildings has naturally been focusing on lowest hanging fruits; saving energy needed for heating and cooling. In general, this can be obtained by insulation and heat recovering.
However, in Denmark this initial aim is soon to become obtained due to the Danish building code which has relatively strict energy regulations. Therefore, the next generation of energy-saving architecture will need to focus on the energy embedded in the building materials – the 'carbon footprint'. The salvaging of older buildings and the recyclability of building materials become crucial parts of a sustainable building culture.
new methods
This is why the MTB refurbishing project, though some 8 years old, is more relevant today than ever. However, the methods for salvaging building materials might be taken much further. Thus, today Vandkunsten is implementing new methods for lifecycle assessment and disassembly documentation as an integrated part of our sketching routine.
cultural factors
The conservation of embedded energy must be obtained by durability. At Vandkunsten we focus in particular on:
• Beauty – this is synonymous with cultural and social acceptance and acknowledgement of the architectural design.
• Functional adaptability - which includes general usability by making the structural geometry fit for a multiplicity of scenarios without structural changes.
• Transformability - by permitting changes to be made such as room division, exchange of façade-materials and services.
The conservation of embedded energy must be obtained by durability. At Vandkunsten we focus in particular on:
• Beauty – this is synonymous with cultural and social acceptance and acknowledgement of the architectural design.
• Functional adaptability - which includes general usability by making the structural geometry fit for a multiplicity of scenarios without structural changes.
• Transformability - by permitting changes to be made such as room division, exchange of façade-materials and services.
the MTB case
The MTB project involves specifically three strategies that indirectly have CO2 reductive effects:
1. It salvages the structure from a building which is functionally, but not technically, worn out.
2. It establishes a very high local density, partly by integrating the parking in the structure. The result is better exploitation of the city's infrastructure and a flourishing urban life.
3. It preserves a cultural and historic heritage by exposing piled up layers of human activity. Simultaneously, the building stands out as a local anchor which gives identity to the entire neighbourhood.
1. It salvages the structure from a building which is functionally, but not technically, worn out.
2. It establishes a very high local density, partly by integrating the parking in the structure. The result is better exploitation of the city's infrastructure and a flourishing urban life.
3. It preserves a cultural and historic heritage by exposing piled up layers of human activity. Simultaneously, the building stands out as a local anchor which gives identity to the entire neighbourhood.
vandkunsten's approach
Our first priority is always to support social community. Architecture is supposed to connect people. We have learned how to welcome tight budgets as a filter to distill the ideas through prioritizing. We focus on low-tech, resource-saving strategies for sustainability and have a strong propensity to seek simple and transparent solutions like natural ventilation and materials with a low degree of processing. Our organisation is non-hierarchical with a great share of responsibility entrusted to small autonomous teams. The corporate culture is characterized by a strong internal censorship which eliminates steps to design-fetishism by means of open and democratic debates between colleagues.
project facts
Title: The MTB Hall
Year of construction: 2003
Address: Galionsvej, Holmen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Category: Housing, refurbishing
Project type: Private commission
Client: 2L development and NCC Ejerboliger a/s
Landscape architect: Tegnestuen Vandkunsten
Engineer: NIRAS a/s
Contractor: MT Højgård a/s
Size: 8.500 m2
Price: 27 mio euro
Year of construction: 2003
Address: Galionsvej, Holmen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Category: Housing, refurbishing
Project type: Private commission
Client: 2L development and NCC Ejerboliger a/s
Landscape architect: Tegnestuen Vandkunsten
Engineer: NIRAS a/s
Contractor: MT Højgård a/s
Size: 8.500 m2
Price: 27 mio euro
program
The MTB Hall is a refurbishment of a 1953 navy shipyard in central Copenhagen
The scheme contains 68 housing units from 75 to 275 m2 and parking facilities in within the construction.
The scheme contains 68 housing units from 75 to 275 m2 and parking facilities in within the construction.
concept
The housing typology is terraced houses mixed with apartments in one or two storeys. All housing units have access from the central street-like urban space. In the southern end, 'the street' turns into a canal providing a direct access for the occupants to the waterways of Copenhagen.
The structural system for parking and apartment floors is made of prefabricated concrete elements. The plans are based on a 10x10 meter module permitting multiple scenarios of use. The facades are built with light weight steel skeletons that can easily be changed according to new needs. The existing steel-reinforced concrete columns are carrying the load of the roof and the balconies. The roof construction's original steel structure is preserved and visible in the interior as well as the exterior.
The structural system for parking and apartment floors is made of prefabricated concrete elements. The plans are based on a 10x10 meter module permitting multiple scenarios of use. The facades are built with light weight steel skeletons that can easily be changed according to new needs. The existing steel-reinforced concrete columns are carrying the load of the roof and the balconies. The roof construction's original steel structure is preserved and visible in the interior as well as the exterior.