BIG unveils sustainable concrete headquarters
Architect practice BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) has completed its headquarters in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn harbour, showcasing innovative use of materials and sustainable construction techniques.
The seven-storey building is constructed with Uni-Green concrete, a proprietary material developed with Unicon that emits 25% less CO₂ than standard mixes. Additionally, FutureCem concrete is used throughout, which integrates alternative binders to reduce cement content and associated emissions.
The façade features 20-metre-long concrete beams stacked to create a checkerboard pattern of solid structures and transparent glazed panels. These beams not only support the cascading half-floor levels inside but also enable the exterior staircase—a 140-metre-long structure embedded with greenery—that spirals around the building, connecting outdoor terraces at every floor.
Inside, the design emphasises raw materials. Exposed concrete is paired with wooden storage elements to create a minimalist aesthetic, while a four-storey atrium showcases a stone column made from eight types of Danish rock. This geological “totem pole” ranges from dense granite at the base to porous limestone at the top.
BIG integrates multiple sustainability measures, including solar panels and geothermal energy systems that provide 60% of the building’s power. Natural ventilation enhances energy efficiency, aligning with the building’s achievement of the DGNB Gold certification for sustainability.
The headquarters is part of a larger landscape transformation. A former car park has been repurposed into a 1,500 m² public park, designed by BIG’s landscape team. Inspired by Denmark’s beaches and forests, the park includes native trees like pines and oaks, promoting biodiversity and offering shelter from harbour winds. The centrepiece is *Stone 40*, a sculpture by Benjamin Langholz that invites exploration.
“Every element, from the concrete beams to the smallest details, reflects our LEAPP approach, integrating architecture, landscape, and product design into a unified whole,” says founder Bjarke Ingels. The building combines industrial innovation with environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for sustainable concrete construction.
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