Havnebryggen

Located in Copenhagen’s Islands Brygge neighborhood, Havnebryggen is a new urban district that enhances social cohesion amongst its residents. The landscape design, set against traditional brick buildings, transforms the area into more than just a residential space – it becomes an inviting urban hub where built and natural environments blend.

Project details

Client

Pension Danmark

Typology

Residential, Urban landscapes and vertical greenery

Status

Completed

The parks at Islands Brygge are a beloved spot for many Copenhageners. But when the weather starts to change and the wind picks up, it’s a different story – the area is deserted, and balconies and terraces are left empty. This stark contrast inspired our vision for the development of Islands Brygge Syd: to lay the groundwork for a cohesive urban district with inviting public spaces and a lively atmosphere, come rain or shine.

In collaboration with Pension Danmark, we’ve crafted a design manual for a new Copenhagen district: Havnebryggen. Covering five plots, the manual outlines principles for housing, landscaping, and hardscaping that breathes new life into spaces between the buildings. Its principles align with local planning guidelines, emphasizing flexible layouts, vibrant community spaces, and a dynamic interplay between indoor and outdoor environments.

Sam Sandvig Hosman, 2019

“The landscape design elevates the district into more than just a residential neighborhood – it becomes an inviting urban hub where the built and natural environments seamlessly blend.”

Mikkel Hune

Project Manager, Architect

Zoey Kroening, 2024

Sirius

Havnebryggen Sirius features two identical 14-story towers with bike and car parking below. The 116 residences have balconies along the exterior façade, each framing a unique view of the surroundings. A 120 m2 roof terrace provides residents with additional shared outdoor space.

Balconies are equipped with built-in planter boxes that utilize an irrigation system based on collected rainwater. Designed to thrive in local climate conditions, the green elements of the towers ensure that daylight and visibility remain unobstructed while incorporating flora that can withstand Copenhagen’s climate.

Sirius features a vibrant outward-facing central square at its ground floor connecting it to its neighbor, Castor. This area hosts cafés and shops, adding social appeal to the neighborhood. While a playful urban landscape surrounds Sirius, connecting it to the larger residential area.

Designed to thrive in local climate conditions, the green elements of the towers ensure that daylight and visibility remain unobstructed while incorporating flora that can withstand Copenhagen’s climate. Zoey Kroening, 2024

"With durability in mind, we chose concrete to ensure the structure can endure the growth of plants that will gradually take over the building facade. The white finish also creates a striking contrast to this greenery, which acts as an extension of the nearby Amager Common."

Filip Francati

Lead Design Architect

Castor

Located directly on the waterfront, Castor is comprised of 78 owner-occupied apartments – featuring ample sunlight and attractive views, the reflection of the water floods natural light inside the spaces.

Inspired by the traditional Copenhagen harbor squares, Castor includes green courtyards that function as community spaces. The design compliments its sister building, Pollux, and takes cues from the harbor with four floors, roof terraces, and a red-brick exterior – a nod to the classic architecture style of Islands Brygge.

Sam Sandvig Hosman, 2019

Polaris

Covering 14,600 m² of Islands Brygge’s southern edge, Polaris encompasses two buildings, Polaris 1 and 2, and an inviting courtyard. This communal outdoor space is elevated on a plinth, and gradually steps down toward the promenade to form seating where passers-by can pause, unwind, and take in the harbor scene.

Inside, the apartments are designed for flexibility. The design allows residents to personalize their spaces and includes balconies and large windows that ensure plenty of natural light – even on the darkest of winter days.

Sam Sandvig Hosman, 2019

Pollux

Pollux, a DGNB Gold-certified building, consists of 70 owner-occupied apartments. Built with eco-friendly materials and adaptable living spaces, its design aims to evolve with its residents over time.

The façade, crafted from recycled brick, gives the building a distinct and dynamic character. Designed as a block with an open passage toward the water, the building creates inviting spaces to stop and take in the view.

Located in the heart of Islands Brygge, Pollux is within easy reach of Amager Fælled’s green spaces and the nearby waterfront. A harbor promenade in front of the building connects residents to the busier parts of the neighborhood to the north and the quieter sandy beach and Nokken to the south.