Arkitema Architects has won the competition for the new headquarters for CASA and the restoration of the existing warehouse at the harbor of Horsens. On the same grounds Arkitema Architects have also designed two apartment buildings.
“At Havnetrekanten we will ensure access for more people to the maritime environment. They will have the pleasure of experiencing the historical harbor buildings that are unique to Horsens harbor” says Mette Skibsholt, creative leader at Arkitema Architects. She continues; “The town will get a new business building that respects its historical context and that complements the existing facades, a building that is modern but at the same time captures the history of the harbor”.
CASA’s new headquarters at Havnetrekanten in Horsens is the first phase in the transformation of Horsens waterfront. The project consists of 5 500 square meters of new construction and the restoration of an old and well-preserved warehouse. Both buildings will be used as the new headquarters for CASA.
The historical scene with the existing warehouse buildings has inspired the design of the new construction and will ensure a uniform expression of the facades. The new building will merge well with the old facades and uses the same expression in height, scale and materials as the historical buildings.
The new facade is a result of an integration process which includes the neighboring buildings, optimal daylight conditions, economy, sustainability and simplicity. The facade is made in brick and visually binds the old cargo and custom houses together. Brick also has very good operational qualities and age beautifully. The roof and the cut-outs are made of mounted brick in the same tint. Arkitam Architects suggest sun screening in the form of integrated venetian blinds which will give the possibility for exterior screening. The choice of sun screening will be made in close cooperation with the owner. The building will be prepared for 100 square meters of solar power cells on the roof.
Behind the headquarters there will also be two apartment buildings with respectively 9 and 11 floors and with a total of 40 condominium apartments. Focus will be on providing a good home with spectacular views. This comes with big, bright and exclusive apartments with panoramic windows that ensure a great view over the harbor and the fiord of Horsens. The buildings appear slim and erect in their silhouette and their light color and refer to the harbor’s historical context with high silos.
Construction will start in the fall of 2015 and the buildings will be ready in fall of 2017. The apartments are already up for sale.