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  4. Grundtvigs Hus

Grundtvigs Hus (Grundtvig’s House) in Copenhagen was built between 1906 and 1908, long before energy crises and modern building standards came into play. The property has had a diverse history, from being used as a hotel for the Nazi telephone exchange during World War II, to a cultural centre celebrating the work of its namesake, the Danish philosopher, Nikolaj Grundtvig.

When it was originally constructed, it was the first property in Denmark to include concrete floors. Over a century later, it’s aiming to be the first of its kind again – as a lighthouse project for how existing buildings can be transformed with green energy. Along with an adjacent building, Grundtvigs Hus is set to become one of the first renovated buildings in Denmark to be energy self-sufficient with carbon-free heating, hot water and air conditioning by drawing on geothermal energy. It is also aiming to be the first renovation project in Denmark to achieve the German Sustainable Building Council’s (DGNB) Platinum certification.

WSP is responsible for the project’s certification and our auditor is following the redevelopment closely to make sure it meets the requirements.

Total floorspace (SQM)
9,900 9,900
Net carbon free energy
100% 100%
Lower energy costs 
97% 97%

Location

  • Copenhagen, Denmark

Project Status

  • To be completed in 2025
Grundtvigs Hus front entrance

Setting a new standard for green energy in existing buildings

As consulting engineers, our team in Denmark are also working closely with energy systems provider, Energy Machines and Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects to transform the two existing buildings into offices and shops, and a live public showcase for Energy Machines’ sustainable energy systems. Overall, the project is focusing on creating a contemporary space and a comfortable environment for building users, while preserving Grundtvigs Hus’ distinctive architecture.

The integrated energy system, provided by Energy Machines, combines heating, cooling, ventilation, electricity generation and energy storage – enables the buildings to generate, store, recycle and reuse its own renewable energy. It is expected to reduce energy consumption by 84% and operating costs by 97%.

One of the biggest challenges has been to ensure that the new energy system can be incorporated into the historic building. For example, the load bearing capacity of each storey has been fully mapped to ensure new heating systems can be safety installed.

The self-sufficient, digitally-controlled system will be powered by geothermal energy from deep underground – distributed by heat pumps as heating, air conditioning and hot water. Energy will also come from solar panels installed on the roof and surplus heat from inside the building that would otherwise be wasted, captured by air handling units. The buildings will only need to source its energy from Denmark’s electricity grid in an emergency.

The highly efficient energy system combined with sustainable construction techniques will ensure that Grundtvigs Hus can become the first renovation project in Denmark to achieve DGNB Platinum certification. For example, the boreholes for geothermal energy storage were drilled using waterpower to lessen the process’s environmental impact.

What makes Grundtvigs Hus stand out

icn-wmap-net-zero

Self-sufficient, high performance energy system

Delivers 100% net carbon free heating, air conditioning and hot water.

  • Fully integrated 430kW electrical energy system powered by renewable sources.

icon with a check for approval

Sustainable renovation
   

On track to achieve DGNB Platinum certification when complete in 2025.

  • Combines green energy with sustainable design and construction techniques.

icon with a recycling arrows

Recycles waste heat
     

Reuses 90% of surplus heat that would otherwise be wasted.

  • Captured from within the building by Energy Machines’ air handling units.

Other challenges that we have overcome