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