Innovation thrives in the right environment
We have embarked on an ambitious experiment that brings our research and development teams and other functions together in a unique, 14,000m² space designed for creativity and collaboration: the LKR Innovation House. This is no ordinary building. Born from Lars Kann-Rasmussen's original warehouse “experiment in wood,” the building stands as a testament to the VELUX Group's commitment to healthy buildings and environmental stewardship. The state-of-the-art facility has been converted with daylight and fresh air into an innovation hub featuring offices, laboratories, and workshops. By reusing as many original materials as possible instead of constructing a new building, the LKR Innovation House embodies the ambition of VELUX in the green transition and aspires to lead the way in showcasing the potential of renovation and adaptive reuse as a more sustainable approach to buildings.
Carbon Footprint
By prioritizing the reuse of materials, integrating an abundance of daylight and fresh air, and carefully considering all new material choices, the LKR Innovation House achieved a carbon footprint of 4.6 kg C02e/m2/year which is well below the projected Danish Building Regulations threshold for 2029 which is 6.1 kg C02e/m2/year for office buildings. The transformation strikes a balance that creates a space that maintains its historical significance while creating a healthy and inspiring atmosphere for employees.
The project's results have been 3rd party verified by Artelia.
Building Materials
Over 50% of the building’s material was saved by transforming the LKR Innovation House compared to building new. This was achieved through the reuse, preservation and repurposing of materials such as the original concrete floor, glulam frames and purlin, roof construction, remounting ground floor facades in the courtyards and reusing pavement stones.
The LKR Innovation House emphasizes our pioneering commitments to explore how to address climate change through our buildings by testing the reuse of existing materials and structures, minimizing waste and reducing the need for new resources.
Indoor Climate
At LKR Innovation House, thermal comfort in naturally ventilated spaces are designed using the adaptive comfort model, which considers the impact of outdoor climate on indoor comfort and recognizes that humans adapt to varying temperatures throughout the year and can also influence the indoor climate themselves. This model is widely used for assessing naturally ventilated buildings. The LKR Innovation House is classified under Category 2, indicating that the indoor temperature remains within a comfortable range as defined by the European standard EN 16798.
LKR Innovation House Timeline
With a focus on re-using and re-purposing over demolition, the LKR Innovation House honours the initial “experiment in wood” from 1995 and aspires to lead the way in showcasing the potential of transformation as a far more sustainable approach to buildings.
LKR Innovation House Photo Gallery
Explore LKR Innovation House inside and out by browsing through our beautiful image gallery.