Originally built in 1947 for storing coffee and other goods along Copenhagen’s Nordhavn waterfront, Pakhus 47 has been thoughtfully transformed into a modern workplace that balances industrial heritage with contemporary needs. The project embraces adaptive reuse as a form of architectural craft, demonstrating how existing structures can be renewed to meet today’s functional and environmental standards.
The transformation retains and adapts the original structure, preserving materials such as concrete, brick, steel, and timber. This approach allows the building’s patina to define its character, providing a textured backdrop for new interventions that meet modern performance requirements. Each junction between old and new has been carefully detailed to maintain cohesion while introducing lightness and flexibility.
The raw character of the concrete and steel frame is complemented by transparent glass volumes and adaptable interiors, supporting collaborative work and responding to changing needs. Natural light, acoustics, and air quality have been integrated to promote well-being, ensuring the space exceeds functional expectations.
Functionally, Pakhus 47 evolves from a single-purpose warehouse into a mixed-use environment designed for flexibility and community. Adaptable workspaces sit alongside a restaurant, conference facilities, and an atrium opening up the ground floor – additions that connect the building with its urban context and foster social interaction.