Copenhagen, Denmark
2012 - 2024
Climate Resilient Block
As part of a larger initiative promoting climate resilience and environmental well-being, the Climate Resilient Block located in Østerbro’s St. Kjelds Quarter is prioritizing energy optimization, biodiversity, and water management. The municipal pilot project is aimed at renovating and upgrading older buildings, pavements, and courtyards in Copenhagen.
Project details
Client
City of Copenhagen, The Technical and Environmental Administration, Mobilitet, Klimatilpasning og Byvedligehold
Typology
Status
In collaboration with the Copenhagen municipality, the Climate Resilient Block is a pilot project designed to explore practical solutions for urban renewal and climate adaptation. By experimenting with strategies within the well-known city block typology, the project aims to generate insights that can be applied and scaled to other parts of Copenhagen – creating a valuable model for improving urban resilience across the city.
Located in the Østerbro neighborhood of Copenhagen, the transformation project combines the backyards of 13 individual properties into a communal courtyard. Designed to be cost-effective and climate-proofed, we are addressing challenges of energy efficiency and water management, while enhancing the synergy between the local community and the natural environment.
As part of a larger initiative focused on a holistic approach to urban renewal – encompassing older buildings, pavements, and courtyards – the transformation showcases how energy optimization can go hand-in-hand with improved living conditions. Blending environmental care with community well-being reveals that when nature thrives, so can people.
“As a scalable transformation project, the Copenhagen Climate Block demonstrates how a holistic and innovative approach to rainwater management can create improved homes and courtyard environments. St. Kjelds Quarter will become a climate-forerunner, implementing solutions that can inspire other blocks in Copenhagen, and across Northern European cities.”
Mikkel Hune
Project Manager, Architect
Landscape architecture
Rainwater as a resource
In the Climate Resilient Block, we’ve used rainwater as a resource. The project's goal is to disconnect 100% of the rainwater within the block from the sewer system. To achieve this, we’ve implemented three strategies: first, collecting and reusing rainwater from the courtyard for toilet flushing and from the roof for laundry washing; second, channeling and delaying rainwater in a ‘stream’ within the courtyard; and third, promoting absorption and infiltration through green beds and permeable pavements.
We’ve designed a recessed channel running through the courtyard to collect excess rainwater, directing it into one of two open rain gardens. From there, the water is stored in retention basins, each with a capacity of up to 40 m³. The water that is not utilized to enrich natural habitats and grow abundant green spaces, is repurposed for washing machines and toilet flushing.
“The multi-functional rainwater system has reduced the site’s water consumption by 27%”
Caroline Grenaa Németh
Landscape Architect, Team Lead
Landscape architecture
For plants and for people
The landscape design integrates a diverse selection of plants with an adaptable rainwater management system, effectively controlling runoff and protecting the block from flooding. This approach not only enhances the area’s resilience, but also mitigates the urban heat island effect. By fostering lush vegetation, planting trees, and implementing energy-efficient practices, the project is said to have decreased the residential block’s total CO₂ emissions by approximately 16,800 tons.
"With over 50 plant species planted, we've transformed the courtyard into a thriving, beautiful space for residents, while also aiming to create a welcoming habitat for an increased number of birds and insects," says Caroline Grenaa Nemeth, Landscape Architect, Team Lead.
The system of water channels running through the courtyard also serves as a visually appealing feature, and a key element that enhances the outdoor atmosphere for people and nature alike. Thoughtfully designed to reflect the site's natural shape and topography, these channels create a unifying element that connects the courtyard into a coherent space.
A multi-functional façade
The new, multi-functional façade not only enhances energy efficiency but also adds value to the existing apartments with new balconies and larger windows, improving both comfort and aesthetics for residents.
Although there are no visible changes on the street-facing façade, the architecture facing the courtyard has been reimagined. The new double-skin façade, called DMG, serves as an external insulation system and an innovative building solution that integrates ventilation, electrical systems, and rainwater management. Clad in wood and featuring a specially designed plinth to "green" the façade, this addition brings nature closer to the living spaces.
By extending the façade outward, the project not only improves daylight and ventilation, but also creates more spacious interiors. The expansion allows for the transformation of existing openings into French balconies or bay windows, enriching the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
Contact
All contacts
Project Manager, Architect
Landscape Architect, Team Lead
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