Thoravej 29 is a redevelopment project that transformed a 1960s industrial building into a vibrant community center for the Bikuben Foundation. By reusing functional materials, and repurposing elements for new uses, rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the project reduced environmental impact and celebrated sustainable design.

The primary challenge was repurposing an outdated industrial building into a modern community center while adhering to sustainability and circular economy principles. A significant barrier in this project stemmed from the regulatory framework of buildings and construction activities. Danish building regulations differentiate quite clearly between new builds and renovations, with major building renovations requiring compliance with relatively rigid ‘new-build’ standards, sometimes discouraging projects and constraining creative and context-specific solutions, therefore presenting a trade-off with sustainable (and circular) renovation goals. 

The project’s innovative approach centered on the principle that “the supplier is the building itself.” This philosophy shaped the entire design and construction process. The process began with observing the site’s resources and building the design around what was already available, ensuring reuse was a natural and creative outcome.

Functional components, like plastic window frames, were retained to minimise unnecessary replacements. Concrete slabs were repurposed as stairways, surplus façade tiles became pavements, and ventilation pipes and doors were transformed into furniture.

Besides, interior spaces were adapted for flexible use, avoiding significant structural changes.

Materials unsuitable for their original purpose were repaired, refurbished, or reimagined for new uses.

In addition, engineers and architects worked together to ensure reused materials met safety standards, sometimes rediscovering traditional Danish construction techniques to inspire low-impact solutions.

The idea underpinning the entire renovation process is that the building renovates itself, emphasising the reuse of existing structures, materials, and components based on on-site availability.

In an interview, the architect stressed how this project attempted to go beyond resource and ecological awareness and advocate for a change in cultural barriers in the construction sector by showing how creativity and innovation can align with a more sustainable way of building.