Regional Mass Timber Case Studies

Distribution Center

Nordhavn waterfront

Images of Your 3 Design Proposals

Side-By-Side Comparisons of Your Analysis Results

Summer:

Testing of selected model to determine which iteration handles light best while meeting area requirement.

Winter:

Next, I examined how the building manages light during the winter. Since Copenhagen is the northernmost of the three sites, there is a significant variation in daylight. I have decided to add another level to the northern edge (as seen in the first picture, but not in these analysis photos) since the top of the building can receive as much sunlight in the winter as it does in the summer.

The most important decision in creating the form, given the relatively tight site, was to use the entire Southern border and open up the center of the mass as much as possible.

Wind:

The first two images demonstrate how the wind interacts from the west, which is the predominant direction. I designed my building to facilitate smooth airflow, as Copenhagen experiences frequent winds. Additionally, this shape integrates well with the surrounding context. Both at the ground plane and vertically as its two outdoor spaces on floors 4 & 6 match the heights of the adjacent buildings (see bottom image).

Your Recommendation for the “Best” Design Option

Final Thoughts:

I would like to propose the addition of two green spaces to enhance the building's overall design. The fourth floor will feature large sliding doors on each arm of the building, seamlessly connecting the indoor areas to the outdoor space. This space can be organized to host outdoor exhibits, providing flexibility for various activities. During colder weather, the area will remain inviting with groomed landscaping and comfortable outdoor furniture.

The roof will be transformed into a natural landscape with a winding path that encourages exploration of the native plants. This design will prioritize the selection of vegetation, creating a playful arrangement that connects occupants with nature. Additionally, the roof will serve as extra insulation, helping to retain warmth within the building.

South-facing facades will be designed with glazing that incorporates no shading devices, maximizing solar heat gain. While the building's structure will be primarily mass timber, a lightweight concrete topping slab will function as a thermal sink to effectively store solar radiation. The structure, ceilings, and walls will all utilize mass timber, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The northern wall will serve as the building's spine, intentionally left without windows to house the elevator and other utilities. The east and west walls will consist of thick wall assemblies featuring exposed CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) on the interior. This design will ensure a robust and effective thermal envelope.

Additionally, the windows—due to the thickness of the walls—will double as exhibition spaces of varying sizes. This arrangement will allow high-quality natural light (with a high CRI) to illuminate smaller art pieces on display while also offering visual comfort for community members as they pass by the building. The center has a three-story atrium for maximum natural light to the center of the building and allowing for large exhibits that are multiple stories. This also allows users to see large exhibits from different vantage points.