About the LKR
Innovation House
Research and development hub
Welcome to LKR Innovation House, representing our longstanding commitment to innovation, sustainability, and renovation.
Situated in Østbirk, Denmark, the house will serve as the VELUX future hub for research and development – a landmark location to innovate and build on our decades of work within daylight and fresh air.
Nature is ever-present in the house. From every room and workstation, daylight, and natural views are accessible to all.
By transforming this historic space and reusing the materials it was originally built from, instead of constructing something new, it embodies the ambitious VELUX Sustainability Strategy 2030, and aspires to lead the way in showcasing the potential of renovation towards a far more sustainable approach to buildings.
As the innovative heart of the company, the LKR Innovation house will bring together VELUX research and development areas into a unique and collaborative environment that empowers exploration and creativity. This first-class innovation hub will help develop the newest and best products within the building industry.
Transform instead of demolish
To reuse and incorporate as much as possible from the existing into the new is key to this project.
1. The roof surface is preserved, reinsulated, and new skylights are installed. In connection with the resource mapping of the building, it is being investigated whether the skylights can be reused in the transformed building or in new secondary buildings in the landscape.
2. The existing structures are preserved. In cutouts for the courtyards, the glulam frames are removed. These are reused and upcycled in several ways (as construction of secondary buildings in the landscape, furniture, etc.)
3. The existing façade is reused. The wooden modules are demounted to insulate the outer wall and then remounted. The wooden modules from new window openings are used for new facades in the courtyards. Other wooden modules are used to replace those that need to be maintained or substituted.
4. Internal concrete walls are reused as walls around the stair cores. The remains are reused as paving and outside furniture etc.
5. Lightweight interior walls from plasterboards and mineral wool in the walls are recycled.
6. Canopies are reused as part of the secondary buildings in the landscape.
7. The existing concrete floor is reused as is.
8. Many SF stones are removed around the building to create a better transition to the surrounding nature. These stones will be reused elsewhere such as in car parks, at secondary buildings, or walking paths.
Regeneration
Workspace
People in communities enrich one another. Communities energise innovation processes. Innovative working environments have diverse spatial planning which enables different levels of energy – both lively and quiet. They are a source for community, calmness, and warmth. Informal meeting places can be programmed, but in the end, the users are the only ones to fill them with life and informality. A natural and adaptive indoor climate provides the frame for a comfortable working environment which strengthens our relation to nature – a connection proven to have powerful regenerative qualities.
Sustainability
With the building industry accounting for up to 40% of global energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, the need for sustainable and healthy buildings is rising. As part of our sustainability strategy, we have committed to taking measurable action towards showcasing sustainable building solutions that connect a healthy indoor climate with a low environmental impact. LKR Innovation House represents an important study of sustainable transformation, with a focus on reusing original materials and preserving as much as possible.
Nature as a material
Merging the building with the surrounding natural environment turns green space into an element that is present throughout. The many skylights and their various positions add diversity to the space, illuminating from the sky above in various shades depending on the weather and the time of year. Blinds and heat protection provide full control of the lighting to create the best possible work environment.