This year, The Wave in Vejle, Denmark, received the award as Residential Building of the Year in the sub-category, Multiple Occupancy. The project was designed by Henning Larsen Architects in 2005 and was singled out by an impartial judging panel from among several projects, including “Yokosuka Kamoi Housing” by Iida Archiship Studio, “Andersen Garden” by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and “Phoenix Heights” by Brady Mallalieu Architects.
The award ceremony took place in connection with a large gala in London on Friday 10 September where architect and associate partner Søren Øllgaard, Henning Larsen Architects, received the award. “It is fantastic that a project of this kind can achieve international recognition of this calibre”, says Søren Øllgaard. “The Wave started out as a very simple idea – a wave stroke on a piece of paper – and already with the building of the first two “waves”, Vejle has been given a new, distinctive landmark – a sculptural icon that both respects and challenges the location.”
The Wave in Vejle is situated in a magnificent location overlooking Vejle Fjord and the architecture beautifully relates to its surroundings. During the day, the white “waves” are reflected in the fjord while, at night, they stand out as an undulating mountain landscape of colour and light.
With the completion of the five “waves”, the building will comprise 100 attractive flats. Together with the public promenade in front of the building, The Wave creates a beautiful connection between the fjord, landscape and town and consolidates the different elements in a clear and recognisable signature.
Henning Larsen Architects has previously won two LEAF Awards. In 2005, the IT University in Copenhagen was selected as Overall Winner of the LEAF competition as well as winner of the New Build Award.