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Architectural Cases

From Industrial Past to Innovative Future: The LKR Innovation House Transformation

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The LKR Innovation House in Denmark showcases a remarkable architectural evolution, converting a long-standing timber warehouse into a state-of-the-art innovation center. This project highlights the critical role of renovation, material reuse, and human-centered design in minimizing environmental footprint and fostering sustainable development.

Revitalizing Legacy: A Blueprint for Sustainable Architectural Innovation

A Visionary Beginning: The Wooden Warehouse's Enduring Legacy

The narrative of the LKR Innovation House began in 1995, driven by Lars Kann-Rasmussen's pioneering spirit. He initiated an ambitious “experiment in wood,” advocating for practical exploration over extensive theoretical analysis. The original structure, constructed from locally sourced Danish and Swedish timber, was a testament to forward-thinking material choices that proved resilient through decades.

Transforming the Existing: The LKR Innovation House Project

Decades after its inception, this experimental structure embarked on a new chapter. Instead of succumbing to demolition, the VELUX Group, in collaboration with Praksis Architects, Søren Jensen Engineers, DETBLÅ Landscape Architects, and KG Hansen, undertook a comprehensive transformation. The result is the LKR Innovation House, a dynamic 14,000-square-meter facility seamlessly integrating offices, workshops, and laboratories, all dedicated to advancing product development for the VELUX Group.

Environmental Stewardship: A New Paradigm for Architectural Practice

In an era defined by finite resources, the architecture profession is increasingly compelled to prioritize dialogue with existing environments, their embedded histories, and latent potentials. The LKR Innovation House exemplifies this shift, demonstrating that innovation can flourish within established frameworks rather than exclusively through new construction. This approach not only preserves architectural heritage but also pioneers a more sustainable future for building design.

Tangible Environmental Benefits: A Model of Reduced Impact

The adaptive reuse of the original warehouse yielded substantial environmental benefits. By opting for transformation over demolition, the project successfully conserved over 55% of the building's materials compared to constructing a new facility. Furthermore, independent verification by Artelia confirmed a carbon footprint of merely 4.6 kg CO₂eq/m²/year, a figure well below Denmark's projected building regulations for 2029. Crucially, this achievement did not compromise occupant well-being, as the renovated structure maintains superior thermal comfort and indoor air quality.

Unveiling the Journey: A New Publication Chronicles the Transformation

The detailed story of this transformative project is encapsulated in the new book, "More Than a House – An Experiment in Transformation." This publication by VELUX documents how an architectural experiment evolved into a groundbreaking model for sustainable renovation. The book features insightful interviews with key project partners and visionaries, including Lars Kann-Rasmussen and Tina Mayn from VELUX, whose leadership shaped the project from its early stages. It also includes perspectives from a diverse group of architects, engineers, and industry experts, such as Mette Tony and Mads Bjørn Hansen of Praksis Architects, Troels Thorbjørnson of Spant Studio Architects, Mikkel Bahr of Friis & Moltke, Kasper Mose of Kasper Mose Studio, Professor Joseph G. Allen from Harvard University, Siobhan Rockcastle of OCULIGHT Dynamics, and landscape architect Birthe Urup of DETBLÅ. Complementing these narratives are captivating photographs by Adam Mørk, which visually chronicle the LKR Innovation House's metamorphosis, capturing its construction phases and post-completion essence, while highlighting the interplay of light, materials, and seasonal changes across the architectural and natural landscapes.

Beyond a Building: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development

Today, the LKR Innovation House serves as a vibrant workplace for nearly 500 professionals, yet its significance extends far beyond mere functionality. It embodies a pioneering philosophy of construction—one that commences with an appreciation for existing structures. This initiative forms a crucial component of the VELUX Group's Re:Living agenda, which advocates for reimagining and adapting existing buildings to better serve both human needs and planetary health. The project underscores the profound potential for architectural evolution to create spaces that are both innovative and environmentally responsible.

Buzzy Sunny · Feixue Pavilion / Archermit
Architectural Cases

Buzzy Sunny · Feixue Pavilion / Archermit

Francis Kéré: Architecture for Social Impact
Architectural Cases

Francis Kéré: Architecture for Social Impact

Casa Luce: A Modern Renovation Project by HK Associates Inc.
Architectural Cases

Casa Luce: A Modern Renovation Project by HK Associates Inc.

Architectural Cases

The Dam House: Bernardes Arquitetura's Lakeside Masterpiece in Itaúna

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In Itaúna, Brazil, the Dam House by Bernardes Arquitetura stands as a testament to contemporary residential design, beautifully marrying human habitation with the natural environment. Completed in 2024, this expansive 1030 square meter property showcases an architectural philosophy that prioritizes integration with its surroundings. The dwelling is characterized by its subtle lines and a generous wooden roof that directs the gaze towards the breathtaking reservoir, fostering a profound connection between indoor living and the vastness of nature. This project exemplifies how modern architecture can enhance, rather than detract from, a pristine landscape.

Bernardes Arquitetura's Dam House: A Symphony of Design and Nature

Situated on the serene edge of a reservoir in Itaúna, Minas Gerais, the Dam House, a stunning creation by the acclaimed Bernardes Arquitetura, gracefully reveals itself to the encompassing landscape. The architectural vision, brought to fruition in 2024, meticulously crafts a residence that appears to dissolve into its natural backdrop of water, endless sky, and verdant foliage. The journey to the house culminates in a striking wooden canopy that not only defines the entrance but also orchestrates a visual promenade, drawing visitors deeper into the property and towards the shimmering reservoir, ultimately framing the distant horizon. The project, led by architects Thiago Bernardes, Marcia Santoro, and Camila Tariki, with contributions from a dedicated team including Giovanna Queiroz and Daniel Farfelmaze for coordination, and a comprehensive project team, represents a pinnacle of residential design in Brazil. The structural integrity was overseen by ITA Engenharia, with Lightworks managing the lighting design, and Hauz undertaking the general construction. This harmonious blend of design and engineering resulted in a 1030 square meter sanctuary that celebrates its unique location.

The Dam House serves as a powerful reminder of architecture's potential to exist in harmony with nature. It inspires a re-evaluation of how living spaces can be designed to not only meet functional needs but also to foster a deeper, more mindful connection to the environment. The thoughtful integration of natural materials and the emphasis on open vistas encourage a lifestyle that embraces the tranquility and beauty of the natural world.

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ORGA Pioneers Carbon-Negative Biobased Housing in Marknesse, Netherlands
Architectural Cases

ORGA Pioneers Carbon-Negative Biobased Housing in Marknesse, Netherlands

Enhancing Residential Project Communication Through Integrated Design Tools
Architectural Cases

Enhancing Residential Project Communication Through Integrated Design Tools

Floating Lake House: A Modern Swedish Retreat
Architectural Cases

Floating Lake House: A Modern Swedish Retreat

Architectural Cases

Northview Point Apartments: A Vision for Integrated Living

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In a groundbreaking move for affordable housing, the Northview Point Apartments, envisioned by the esteemed architects Brooks Scarpa Huber, stand as a testament to innovative community-focused design. This residential complex, completed in 2025, challenges traditional notions of apartment living by prioritizing social interaction and shared spaces over isolation. Spanning an impressive 31,101 square feet in Sacramento, USA, the development provides 67 low-income apartments, strategically arranged to foster a vibrant and interconnected neighborhood. The design, as beautifully documented by photographer Tara Wujcik, highlights a central courtyard that acts as the heart of the community, drawing residents together and creating a dynamic living experience.

Northview Point Apartments: Cultivating Community in Sacramento

In 2025, a new chapter in residential architecture began in Sacramento, USA, with the completion of the Northview Point Apartments. Designed by the visionary team at Brooks Scarpa Huber, led by principal Angela Brooks and lead designer Lawrence Scarpa, this sprawling 31,101 square foot complex redefines the landscape of low-income housing. Breaking away from the defensive, walled-off apartment models of the past, Northview Point Apartments embrace an open, inviting philosophy. The development features 67 residential units, each carefully positioned to interact with a central, carved-out courtyard. This thoughtful arrangement transforms what could be a mere collection of dwellings into a beacon of social space. Strategically placed windows and exterior circulation paths ensure that private living areas are visually connected to these communal hubs, yet maintain a sense of personal retreat. The integrated design approach, supported by a diverse team including project architects Eleftheria Stavridi, Flavia Christi, and Carlos Garcia, alongside landscape design by Brooks + Scarpa with PLAN(t) Landscape Studio, and structural engineering by Labib Funk, culminated in a facility that not only provides homes but also nurtures a sense of belonging and collective well-being. Tara Wujcik's captivating photography beautifully illustrates the interplay of light, shadow, and human activity within this innovative architectural endeavor.

This pioneering project offers a profound lesson in urban planning and social responsibility. It demonstrates that thoughtfully designed residential spaces can transcend their primary function of shelter, evolving into vibrant ecosystems that promote community, interaction, and a higher quality of life for all residents. The Northview Point Apartments inspire us to reconsider how we build our cities and how architecture can serve as a catalyst for positive social change, fostering genuine connections in an increasingly disconnected world.

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