Transformation with a focus on indoor climate

At VELUX in Østbirk near Horsens, Denmark, a timber warehouse from 1995 has been transformed into the LKR Innovation House: a working space for approximately 500 employees. The building is named after Lars Kann-Rasmussen, who came up with the idea for the timber warehouse.

The warehouse buildings with their large overhangs are considered by Praksis Arkitekter to be pieces of industrial heritage and have therefore been treated with great respect. To ensure sufficient daylight, two courtyards have been carved out from the central section of the three interconnected wings. Additionally, windows - and notably VELUX skylights - have been incorporated into the extensive roof surfaces, which are particularly suited to the office workspaces on the inserted deck level. Concrete floors, wooden structures and other elements that were removed from the two courtyards have been reutilised in the building as much as possible, just as the existing concrete floor from the timber warehouse has been preserved.

Wood as a unifying concept

LKR Innovation House is built of wood, and this has been carried over into its new function. This creates a cohesive and welcoming look. Troldtekt in natural wood has been chosen as the standard acoustic surface for the entire building. With large panels without bevels, the surfaces recede and contribute to the desired acoustics and textural expression. The indoor climate has been a high priority with room for individual needs.

The building primarily utilises natural ventilation, with the many VELUX skylights acting as a natural chimney effect on most days. The amount of daylight is also manually adjustable. Spatially, the building offers great variety, providing a creative and modern working environment. LKR Innovation House brings together employees from multiple locations and many types of workplaces, as it also conducts experiments on a 1:1 scale.