The 17-storey former grain silo is the largest industrial building in the Nordhavn and has been used for storing and treating grain for decades.
In a time of resource scarcity it is important to be bold and ask the question: “Is a newbuild even necessary in this case?”
as resource
The industrial buildings and structures of Nordhavn have played a key role in defining the identity of the harbour. By retaining the identity and repurposing the existing concrete structures, we were able to preserve the area’s heritage.
In The Silo, 2,740 m³ of concrete were reused, the equivalent of more than 500 tons of embodied CO₂e. Leftover concrete from windows, decks and doors has been reused to make seating and podiums in the landscape surrounding the building.
to urban anchor point
The first step in the process is to test the building by transforming the ground floor into a public exhibition gallery.
What makes the Silo so unique and beautiful is its monolithic appearance, stemming from the materiality and tactility of its construction.
We wanted to retain the spirit of The Silo as much as possible – both in terms of its monolithic exterior and majestic concrete interior, by simply draping it with a new overcoat. The aim was to transform it from the inside out in such a way that its new inhabitants and the surrounding urban life would highlight the structure’s identity and heritage. Hence, the use of galvanized steel for the facade, which patinates in a raw way and retains the original harbour character and material feel, lending a roughness and raw beauty to the area, as in its industrial past.
Dan Stubbergaard, architect and founder, Cobe
The new façade was designed to relate to the original concrete structure and thus retain a clear continuity between new and old. A layer of insulation was added to the exterior to serve as the new building envelope.
The façade of The Silo is constructed of high-precision prefabricated 3D modules, creating an efficient sculptural “overcoat”.
concept
Existing silhouette, existing program, creating an icon.
New program: Every flat is unique, and the public ground floor acts as an urban activator.
Public add-on: Panorama view, new skin and façade update, new urban silo.
The Silo’s amazing concrete spaces have been transformed into 39 unique apartments. The cut concrete becomes a characteristic detail in the interior of the apartments.
The “hat” on top of the building is designed as a generous public restaurant and viewing platform. The glass façade mirrors the surroundings during the daytime, almost vanishing into the sky.
The Silo was featured in the American animated TV series “The Simpsons”, making it an international icon.
