Living Places
A new way of thinking about buildings
Living Places – a new way of thinking about buildings
At VELUX, we believe it’s time to rethink how buildings can help resolve global climate and health challenges through sustainable solutions and practical action.
The building industry significantly impacts global energy consumption, accounting for up to 40% of total CO2 emissions. In response, VELUX joined forces with EFFEKT and Artelia, launching Living Places, an initiative focused on developing more sustainable building practices that prioritize both people and the planet.
Through collaborative partnerships with developers, contractors, and home builders, Living Places drives innovation and creates a construction ecosystem that fosters shared knowledge.
The first experimental project, Living Places Copenhagen, exhibited the potential for a significant reduction in carbon footprint, and improved indoor climate in comparison to the benchmark home. While the Copenhagen prototype has concluded, its impact continues as valuable insights are scaled to new Living Places projects worldwide. Take a look at some of the most recent Living Places projects in the Netherlands, and Ukraine.
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In progress
5 principles
At the heart of the concept of Living Places are five core principles designed to redefine our built environment. These principles serve as a framework for creating homes that are not only sustainable and healthy but also scalable, affordable, and commercially viable.
More than just a set of rules, these principles represent a holistic approach to design and construction. Every material, technique, and design element is carefully considered to ensure the well-being of both people and the planet. Living Places is a testament to the fact that sustainable living is not a futuristic ideal, but a tangible reality achievable today.
Healthy
What if we could build homes that are healthy for both people and the planet?
Shared
What if we could strengthen our sense of community by rethinking how we live?
Simple
What if a new way of building can enable easy upgrades and a longer lifespan?
Adaptive
What if we can create homes that respond to more ways of living?
Scalable
What if by rethinking the way we design, plan, and finance homes, we could unlock housing for the many?
The experiment
Launched in 2023, the first manifestation of Living Places was displayed in the heart of Copenhagen. The exhibition consisted of seven prototypes – five open pavilions and two completed homes – that showcased our proposition for healthy, ultra-low carbon homes and communities. Each prototype had its own specific program, curated to show the synergy between how we live in homes and communities, and the role of buildings herein.
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