schmidt hammer lassen architects: the crystal

'the crystal' by schmidt hammer lassen architects, copenhagen, denmark
image © adam mørk


copenhagen-based practice schmidt hammer lassen architects has recently completed 'the crystal',
the newest nykredit headquarters located in copenhagen, denmark. the geometric form's multifaceted
crystalline surface captures and refracts the setting sun and immediate surroundings. transparent and
visually light, the structure is centrally located and freestanding within the complex's plaza with views
of the harbor and existing 'glass cube', the company's primary building. the encompassing reflecting
pool mirrors the reflective surfaces and drifting clouds overhead.



view from main avenue
image © adam mørk


a void created by the building's lifted and inclined lower edge introduces a main entrance which
guides visitors underground. a z-shaped floor plan arrangement creates two atria to introduce natural
daylight to all workstations. the curtain wall of the rhombic building is supported and mounted upon
a structural steel diagrid system. the double skin facade integrates a sun screen to filter and adapt to
changing lighting conditions while a silkscreen applied design provides additional protection.



elevation
image © adam mørk



building is lifted above the plaza
image © adam mørk



reflecting pool at ground level
image © adam mørk



main entrance
image © adam mørk



outward view from main entrance
image © adam mørk



lobby
image © adam mørk



atrium
image © adam mørk



workstations bordering atrium are illuminated with daylight through the skylights
image © adam mørk



ground level seating mimics the skylight pattern above
image © adam mørk



steel diagrid structure
image © adam mørk



illuminated and reflecting in pool at night
image © adam mørk



entrance void is illuminated, accentuating the lifted building corner
image © adam mørk



new structure and established 'glass cube' building in background
image © adam mørk



view of building from main avenue
image © adam mørk



(left) 'the crystal' and (right) established 'glass cube' divided by main avenue
image © adam mørk



site plan
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



floor plan / level 0
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



floor plan / level 1
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



floor plan / level 2
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



floor plan / level 5
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



section
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



elevation
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



elevation
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects



(left) wall section
(right) facade detail
images © schmidt hammer lassen architects



model
image © schmidt hammer lassen architects


project info:


architects: schmidt hammer lassen architects
client: nykredit
area: 6,850 m2
on commission: 2006
status: construction period 2008 - 2010
engineer: grontmij i carl bro a/s, buro happold
client consultant: alectia
landscape architect: SLA
awards: emirates glass leaf award in the category 'best structural design of the year' 2011