A former timber warehouse, located in Østbirk, Denmark, has been reimagined and transformed into a vibrant innovation hub – a new workspace for Velux employees.

By repurposing the existing structure of the 30-year-old timber warehouse in Østbirk, Denmark, the LKR Innovation House renovation saved about 55% (4,576 tonnes) of materials compared to constructing a brand-new building of the same size and function.

Originally constructed in 1995 using untreated, locally sourced timber from Denmark and Sweden, the 9,500 m² warehouse was thoughtfully expanded and renovated into a , 14,000 m² modern workplace that brings together more than 500 employees across research and development, design, and related supporting functions. The building includes a variety of offices, laboratories, and workshops designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

The LKR Innovation House showcases the potential of renovation as an alternative to new construction. By reusing and repurposing the original timber structure, and carefully selecting low-impact new materials, the environmental footprint of the project was significantly reduced. Design decisions prioritised natural ventilation, daylight strategies, optimal indoor climate, and responsible material sourcing.

I'm interested in:

• Embodied Carbon
• Glulam
• Reuse