C.F. Møller completes low-energy research building covered in beautiful prefab screens

Danish architecture firm C.F. Møller recently completed an energy-efficient research building for the University of Southern Denmark in Odense.

Like much of the firm’s work, the structure is eco-friendly and optimizes natural ventilation and lighting to minimize energy use. Designed to meet Denmark’s 2015 low-energy class requirements, the building is enveloped in an eye-catching solar screen punctuated by circles of varying sizes.

Set within a lush green landscape, the 21,000-square-meter university structure houses facilities for four different departments arranged around a central “Common Square” atrium. The courtyard-like layout and common spaces, which include a roof garden, cafe, and lounge, encourage collaboration and community amongst the different departments. The interior’s sliding wall systems and solid cores also offer flexibility and customization for different uses. The larger labs are located on the ground floor.

Unlike the campus’ prevailing 1970s structuralist and brutalist aesthetic, the newly completed Technical Facility has a much more contemporary edge. The glazed building is protected from the sun by a screen constructed from prefab panels of white Compact Reinforced Composite concrete with circular cutouts. These perforation patterns protect against the harsh sun and glare, reducing direct sunlight by up to 50 percent while retaining views of the outdoors.

“The eye-catching screen reflects the innovation and creativity that characterizes the various institutes which it unites, including institutes for diverse research on the subject of construction technology and industrialization,” write the architects. “Here, the fiber-reinforced concrete architecturally demonstrates the possibilities of new materials.”

 

Set within a lush green landscape, the 21,000-square-meter university structure houses facilities for four different departments arranged around a central “Common Square” atrium.

 

The courtyard-like layout and common spaces, which include a roof garden, cafe, and lounge, encourage collaboration and community amongst the different departments.

 

Circular skylights match the circular screen perforations.

 

Unlike the campus’ prevailing 1970s structuralist and brutalist aesthetic, the newly completed Technical Facility has a much more contemporary edge.

 

The glazed building is protected from the sun by a screen constructed from prefab panels of white Compact Reinforced Composite concrete with circular cutouts. Read more: C.F. Møller completes low-energy research building covered in beautiful prefab screens Technical Facility SDU by C.F. Møller – Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building