Through comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment, every material, design choice, and building technique in Living Places Copenhagen has been meticulously analysed – not just for carbon footprint, but for indoor climate and cost efficiency.

A simple, smart building system separates technical installations from structural elements, ensuring they’re easy to access, maintain, repair, and replace. This makes it possible to accommodate future technologies efficiently and with minimal waste.

The design-for-disassembly approach extends the lifespan of building parts by facilitating easy repairs, upgrades, and recycling. To truly test the principle, parts of the Living Places village were deconstructed and reassembled by CG Jensen A/S at VELUX’ new innovation hub in Østbirk. You can spot reused floor slabs turned into stair treads and traces of transport where damaged boards have been replaced – visible reminders of a circular mindset in practice.

Now embedded within VELUX LKR Innovation House, the experiment continues – an inspiring example of how buildings can evolve, adapt, and create new places over time.

Developed by the VELUX Group, EFFEKT, and Artelia, with new interiors by Sara Martinsen.

Photos: Adam Mørk