The renovation of the Danmarks Nationalbank building is undertaken to future-proof and maintain the building to ensure it will remain part of Danish cultural heritage for many years to come. At the same time, the interiors must be updated to meet the requirements of a modern and flexible workplace.
The Danmarks Nationalbank building was designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen and constructed between 1965 and 1978. In 2009, the building was listed by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces for its architectural and cultural heritage values. The listing extends to the entire building, exterior and interior, as well as its gardens and courtyards. The building is part of Danish cultural heritage, and as the owner of the building, Danmarks Nationalbank must protect the architecture and preserve the cultural heritage for posterity. The project is carried out with respect for the building’s architecture and in close dialogue with the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces.
The project is expected to take several years, and Danmarks Nationalbank’s employees will therefore be relocated during the renovation period. Most employees have been relocated to an office building at Langelinie Allé 47, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, which has been rented by Danmarks Nationalbank during the renovation.
There will be no public access to the Danmarks Nationalbank building during the renovation period.
Why does the building need renovating?
The building needs renovating to be preserved as part of Danish cultural heritage. A building in use is easier to preserve and maintain. Therefore, part of the task is to secure the building for future use.
The building is one of Arne Jacobsen’s principal works, characterised by high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Also, the building was constructed during a period of rapid technological advances. Built on a foundation of high quality and technological curiosity, the building was ahead of its time in many ways. Some solutions have stood the test of time, others need replacing. The same is true of the materials used in the building such as asbestos and PCB.
This is the most comprehensive renovation of the building since its construction. As part of the renovation, its facades will be replaced, and its fire safety, layout and indoor climate will be improved. Due to its proximity to the Copenhagen waterfront, the building must be protected against rising sea levels and cloudbursts.
Specifics on what will be renovated
The exterior facades of the Danmarks Nationalbank building are clad in Porsgrunn marble. The marble slabs have been damaged by wind and weather and need replacing.
Glass structures are also used for the building’s exterior facades, the so-called curtain walls. The glass structures consist of double glazing with gaskets and profiles that will be replaced to future-proof the facade.
The roofing of the low section of the building will be renovated along with the roof of the southern courtyard. The gardens and courtyards will be preserved and restored to their original design. The plants will be placed in storage to prevent them from being damaged during the renovation work.
The building at Havnegade 5 was constructed during the period 1965-78 when PCB and asbestos were widely used. So, extensive environmental remediation is needed.
In recent years, Danmarks Nationalbank’s production of banknotes and coins has been phased out. As a result, parts of Danmarks Nationalbank’s space is left unused. The restoration and renovation project is to ensure optimum utilisation of this space to support Danmarks Nationalbank’s future needs and activities as best as possible. For instance, the former printing press remises will be used as a venue for meetings and gatherings.
The building’s indoor climate design has been maintained and improved over the years, but now major replacement of the technical installations is needed to ensure a healthy indoor climate with the lowest possible energy consumption.
The building’s fire safety will be upgraded, including up-to-date escape routes, sprinkler systems and smoke vents.
A new IT solution for cabling and equipment in connection with office facilities will be established.
A series of major and minor energy-optimisation projects will be carried out. As a result, no major maintenance work is expected to be needed of the Danmarks Nationalbank building in the years after the restoration and renovation.
The building will be climate-proofed, meaning that it must be protected from rising sea levels and cloudbursts.
As part of the climate-proofing, 170 ground anchors will be installed across the plot, exterior basement walls will be reinforced and protection from rising sea levels and cloudbursts will be installed.
What is the duration of the renovation work?
At this stage, the renovation work is expected to last until 2028. The final timeline is being developed and is expected to be finalised by mid-2023.
The work will affect our neighbours and immediate environment, but we will do our utmost to avoid any inconvenience and provide all necessary information about the work to be carried out well in advance.
What will the project cost?
The cost estimate for the project is kr. 1.9 billion excluding VAT. The final budget is expected to be finalised by mid-2023. Like other developers, Danmarks Nationalbank is also feeling the impact of higher prices following global disruptions of energy supplies, production and trade. These factors are likely to affect the final budget.
Danmarks Nationalbank bears the project costs and the rental costs for temporary office space.
To our neighbours
Here we will keep our neighbours updated about the renovation project, so they can follow the progress of renovation.
From September 2022 and probably until March 2023, Danmarks Nationalbank will be conducting a pilot project in connection with forthcoming facade work. This spans both sides of the bank’s south-east corner at Havnegade and Niels Juels Gade, and the works mainly comprise the following:
- Renovation of existing stone cladding and its fixture
- Concrete renovation
- Renewal of glass and glass facade
The purpose of the project is to acquire knowledge and clarify different solutions before the main facade renovation work is carried out – probably from late 2024 to late 2026.
The building site consists of construction hoardings on the corner of Havnegade and Niels Juels Gade as well as hoardings around the parking area located between Havnegade and the harbour. The building work will be carried out on weekdays between 7:00 and 17:00.
Contact
You are welcome to call us or email us if you have any questions about the project. Please email general questions about the project to ror@nationalbanken.dk. Specific and technical questions about the project can be directed to Head of Section Ann-Pia Puggaard at apu@nationalbanken.dk or on tel. +45 2162 0114. Journalists and media representatives seeking information about the project are welcome to contact Press Officer Teis Hald Jensen at tehj@nationalbanken.dk or on tel. +45 3363 6066