VELUX Transforms Østbirk Warehouse into LKR Innovation Hub
In Østbirk, Denmark, a reimagined timber warehouse now functions as the LKR Innovation House, spanning 14,000 square meters for approximately 500 VELUX staff. Originally established in 1995 by Lars Kann-Rasmussen, the building utilized untreated local timber as part of its experimental design. To preserve this structure, VELUX collaborated with multiple architectural firms for renovations to create modern offices, laboratories, and workshops. Remarkably, over 55% of the original materials were reused, resulting in a minimal carbon footprint of 4.6 kg CO₂eq/m²/year, aligning with Denmark's 2029 sustainability targets. A new publication showcases this transformation, featuring insights from industry experts.
Key facts
- 30-year-old timber warehouse in Østbirk, Denmark transformed into LKR Innovation House
- 14,000-square-meter innovation hub for nearly 500 VELUX employees
- Original warehouse built in 1995 by Lars Kann-Rasmussen as an 'experiment in wood'
- Used untreated timber from Danish and Swedish forests
- Partners: Praksis Architects, Søren Jensen Engineers, DETBLÅ Landscape Architects, KG Hansen
- Saved over 55% of building materials compared to new construction
- Carbon footprint of 4.6 kg CO₂eq/m²/year, verified by Artelia
- New book 'More Than a House – An Experiment in Transformation' documents the project
Entities
Artists
- Lars Kann-Rasmussen
- Tina Mayn
- Mette Tony
- Mads Bjørn Hansen
- Troels Thorbjørnson
- Mikkel Bahr
- Kasper Mose
- Joseph G. Allen
- Siobhan Rockcastle
- Birthe Urup
- Adam Mørk
Institutions
- VELUX
- Praksis Architects
- Søren Jensen Engineers
- DETBLÅ Landscape Architects
- KG Hansen
- Artelia
- Spant Studio Architects
- Friis & Moltke
- Kasper Mose Studio
- Harvard University
- OCULIGHT Dynamics
Locations
- Østbirk
- Denmark