The vision of bringing different lifestyles together forms the basis for the development of Kanalgaarden, which is located on a small corner plot and marks the entrance to the Arena Quarter in Copenhagen, with the Arena Quarter School and Royal Arena as neighbours. Despite the limited size of the site, the project has succeeded in creating a large building that includes family housing, senior housing, single housing, public and private student housing, commercial space, a grocery store and a café. Kanalgaarden blends into its surroundings thanks to varied heights and architectural details.

The building is L-shaped and has four different heights with the 13 floors facing Ørestads Boulevard as the highest. This steps down to five floors facing the Royal Arena. All common spaces are placed up against each other and a communal roof terrace faces onto a common courtyard. This encourages generations to meet and create mixed social communities.

Durable materials and fine details

Kanalgaarden is built in yellow and red brick, highlighting a classic Danish building tradition and matching the surrounding area's buildings, while at the same time distinguishing Kanalgaarden as a residential building in relation to its immediate neighbours.

In the courtyard of the property there are green islands with planting that frames the entrances and creates green oases for spending time and socialising. The family homes have their own balconies, while the youth homes have shared balconies that strengthen social cohesion among young residents.

The windows have recessed brick frames in their own colour, giving edge and character to the building. This, together with the classical brickwork on the ground floor, contributes to the building's welcoming character and adaptation to its surroundings. All unused roof surfaces are either green or house solar panels. The building is certified DGNB Gold.