Seawater Heat Pump, C.F. Møller Architects - C.F. Møller Architects designs building that supports green transition in Denmark - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller Architects
Seawater Heat Pump, C.F. Møller Architects - C.F. Møller Architects designs building that supports green transition in Denmark - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller Architects
12.3.2024

C.F. Møller Architects designs building that supports green transition in Denmark

C.F. Møller Architects, in collaboration with A. Enggaard and Viborg Ingeniørerne, win the competition for a building housing a seawater heat pump in Aalborg, Denmark. Their winning proposal contributes to the city's eco-friendly transition, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics.

 

The residents of Aalborg in Denmark can now anticipate a new building dedicated to the promotion of eco-friendly heating. This building will house a new seawater heat pump, slated to be raised in Norbis Park near Limfjorden for Aalborg Utilities (Aalborg Forsyning). Aalborg Utilities is actively engaged in the green transition, focusing on constructing green technologies to replace the coal-fired plant “Nordjyllandsværk”. Additionally, Norbis Park is the utility's industrial area, undergoing transformation into an innovative space for testing and developing new technologies for the green transition in the energy sector.


The building was designed by C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with developer and construction company A. Enggaard and the engineers, Viborg Ingeniørerne, who jointly won the architectural competition organized by Aalborg Utilities.

Søren Tortzen, C.F. Møller Architects - C.F. Møller Architects designs building that supports green transition in Denmark - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller Architects /Mew

Characteristic of the proposal is its ability to convey the building's function and connection to the fjord through site-specific architecture, well-chosen materials, and a high level of transparency. Visitors will experience the building integrating with its green surroundings, adapting its expression to the area's architecture and nature.


Søren Tortzen, design lead and head of branch of C.F. Møller in Aalborg, says,
"The building will stand prominently with robust materials, seamlessly integrating into the existing building mass both in scale and material. Through large glass sections, the building opens up to the surrounding environment, allowing a view of the technology and functions inside."

Seawater Heat Pump, C.F. Møller Architects - C.F. Møller Architects designs building that supports green transition in Denmark - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller Architects

Nature-Inspired Design
Architecturally, the building is characterized by its construction in multiple easily readable layers, welcoming the public while maintaining the scale and function of a technical structure. The facade is layered, with the ground floor being open and transparent, while the top is modular with clear vertical and horizontal boundaries. Sea-resistant wave-shaped aluminium panels create a dynamic effect inspired by the waves of Limfjorden. Transparency is achieved through translucent glass, and the ground floor is modular for flexibility and adaptation to needs. Additionally, wood cladding contributes to an organic and sensory experience, anchoring the building in the green area.

 

A scenographic lighting setup in the evening emphasizes the layering of the facade, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Seawater Heat Pump, C.F. Møller Architects - C.F. Møller Architects designs building that supports green transition in Denmark - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller Architects

Climate Friendly Focus
The material selection underscores an environmentally friendly focus with options for recycling and durability. Insect hotels are integrated into the ground floor's modular facade system, contributing to increased biodiversity in the area.


The visibility of the facility's function, inviting character with green areas, and strategically placed plinths for relaxation contribute to conveying the green transition, community, and knowledge sharing.

The facility itself will harness energy from Limfjorden to produce hot district heating water. The overall system consists of three 44 MW heat pump units, each being the world's largest based on natural refrigerants. In total, it is one of the world's largest seawater heat pumps, located in Norbis Park by Limfjorden.


MAN Energy Solutions is the supplier of the pumps.

Greenwich Peninsula Low Carbon Energy Cetnre, C.F. Møller Architects - C.F. Møller Architects designs building that supports green transition in Denmark - C.F. Møller. Photo: Mark Hadden

Proven Experience with Industrial Facilities
C.F. Møller Architects has gained valuable experience in recent years with industrial facilities, including a low-emission combined heat and power plant in London featuring visitor and educational facilities, compressor stations in Everdrup and Egtved, staff buildings for wastewater treatment plants in Aalborg, pump station and staff building in Copenhagen, and ongoing work on developing Getteröverket in Sweden, incorporating educational and recreational qualities into the surrounding environment.

 

Client: Aalborg Forsyning
Contractor: A. Enggaard
Architect: C.F. Møller Architects
Engineer: Viborg Ingeniørerne
Seawater Heat Pump Supplier: MAN Energy Solutions

 

Aalborg Forsyning
MAN Energy Solutions

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