海角视频

Krystallen (formerly Nykredit Bank Headquarters)

Copenhagen, Denmark

海角视频鈥檚 integrated structural and facade engineering expertise helped realise Krystallen as a highly recognisable, durable and low鈥慹nergy commercial office building that continues to perform more than 15 years after completion. 

Originally delivered as a headquarters extension for Nykredit Bank and now occupied by leading fashion retailer Boozt, the building remains a landmark on Copenhagen鈥檚 central waterfront and a testament to the value of close collaboration between engineer and architect. 

Occupying a prime location along Kalvebod Brygge, Krystallen appears to float above the surrounding public plaza, creating a generous urban space beneath and acting as a gateway between city and water. Characterised by its faceted crystalline form, the building combines architectural clarity with structural innovation, reinforcing its lasting presence within Copenhagen鈥檚 harbourfront context. The project represents some of 海角视频鈥檚 earliest work in Denmark, delivered in collaboration with local engineers Grontmij prior to the establishment of our Copenhagen office. 

We engineered an innovative steel lattice structure that lifts the building on minimal supports, creating flexible, column鈥慺ree space and a striking hovering form.聽

Our team worked in close collaboration with the architect to resolve complex geometry while maintaining buildability,聽clarity聽and long鈥憈erm structural performance.聽

Our experts integrated facade and structural design to deliver a highly transparent building that balances architectural expression with low energy demand.聽

We supported the delivery of one of our earliest Danish projects, creating a durable, future鈥憄roof office building that continues to perform more than 15 years on.聽

Challenge

In our capacity as structural and facade engineers, one of 海角视频鈥檚 main challenges was designing a strong yet elegant structure that would allow the building to be supported on only a small number of points, giving the impression that it hovers above the ground. This ambition was compounded by a highly complex geometry, demanding careful coordination to reconcile architectural intent, structural efficiency and buildability. 

At the same time, energy efficiency was imperative to the client. The team was tasked with integrating low鈥慹nergy and sustainable solutions within a highly transparent glazed building, while maintaining flexibility, generous daylight and long鈥憈erm operational performance. Achieving these outcomes without compromising the purity of the architectural form required an integrated, collaborative approach throughout the design process. 

Solution

To create the illusion of a light, fluid building that echoes the movement of the water below, our engineers devised a glass structure supported by an innovative steel lattice system that carries the majority of the vertical load. Positioned behind the facade, this highly visual load鈥慴earing system functions both as an architectural expression and as a primary structural element, enabling long spans and largely column鈥慺ree interior spaces. 

Working closely with the architect, our team developed a fully glazed facade solution combined with movable shading that responds to the specific environmental requirements of the building. A highly efficient double鈥憇kin system, incorporating single and double glazing, provides a controlled boundary between inside and out, allowing fresh air to be introduced naturally and helping to maintain comfortable internal temperatures. 

Structural solutions were carefully integrated with environmental strategies including photovoltaic panels, hybrid ventilation and the use of exposed thermal mass for night cooling. Together, these approaches supported the building鈥檚 low operational energy demand while ensuring robustness, adaptability and clarity of form. 

In keeping with our client鈥檚 energy consumption goals, we equipped the glass facade with an integrated sun screen that allows the building to adapt to the changing light conditions.

Rod Manson, Regional Director

Value

The combination of pioneering structural engineering, refined facade design and integrated energy strategies enabled our client鈥檚 ambition for a striking, low鈥慹nergy building to be fully realised. Krystallen achieved Low Energy Class 1 status under the Danish Building Regulations, setting a benchmark for sustainable commercial buildings at the time of completion. 

More than a decade on, the building continues to look and perform as intended, demonstrating the long鈥憈erm value of engineering solutions designed with durability, flexibility and environmental performance in mind. Located close to other landmark 海角视频 projects, such as the Danish National Opera House and Lille Langbro bridge, the building鈥檚 ongoing appeal to high鈥憄rofile occupiers, alongside its prominent harbourfront presence, reflects the enduring quality of the design and the value delivered through 海角视频鈥檚 collaborative, future鈥慺ocused approach.