12 May 2025
Grand Opening of the LKR Innovation House
On 12 May, the LKR Innovation House was officially opened in Østbirk, Denmark with an event that brought colleagues, partners, and guests together to celebrate the opening of a space that has been transformed to shape the future of innovation at VELUX.
Unveiling the Architectural Transformation
The LKR Innovation House shows the true impact of renovation instead of new construction by transforming an existing timber warehouse, originally built in 1995, into a leading innovation hub by reusing existing materials, minimizing the building's carbon footprint, and focusing on a healthy indoor climate.
A Day of Activities and Connection
From early morning to late afternoon, the building welcomed guests who joined workshops, explored exhibitions, and experienced the space in action. Throughout the day, every corner of the building - from courtyards to workshops – was used to show the flexibility and seamless connections between functions.
Exploring Innovation Through Hands-On Experiences
The grand opening invited guests to engage with the building in active, creative ways. From assembling architectural concepts in LEGO to planting herbs outside with Fælleshaven, every part of the day encouraged interaction and exploration. Inside, a dedicated exhibition space showcased Natural Material Studio’s experimental work with bio-based materials, while the student exhibition presented bold, future-focused ideas from the International VELUX Award.
In another part of the building, the VELUX product exhibition guided visitors through eight decades of daylight innovation - tracing the evolution of our roof window solutions and hinting at what’s to come. The exhibition concluded with a look ahead, featuring KOMPAS VC’s display of early-stage ventures reimagining the future of sustainable building.
Outside the building, guests could also visit a Living Places house and pavilion which have been re-assembled on-site in what is their new and permanent home.
Looking Ahead While Honouring the Past
A ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together, Lars Kann-Rasmussen, Mads Kann-Rasmussen, Lars Petersson, Jørgen Falkebø Jensen, and Tina Mayn to formally open the LKR Innovation House and mark the beginning of its next chapter.
Later, a tree-planting ceremony offered a powerful connection to the past. Nearly 30 years after Lars Kann-Rasmussen planted a tree at the opening of the original warehouse in 1995, he returned to plant a new one- this time joined by Mads Kann-Rasmussen, Lars Petersson, Bjarne Thomsen, and Tina Mayn. Held on the same site as the original gesture, it symbolised not only continuity, but also the transformation of a building and an idea, renewed to support the future of innovation at VELUX.
