Henning Larsen to design Copenhagen's first all-timber neighborhood

Following a national competition in Denmark, the team led by Henning Larsen Architects had the winning proposal for the new Fælledby masterplan. Located just beyond Copenhagen's city center, the project will transform a former dumping grounds into a new neighborhood for 7,000 residents. The project is set to be Copenhagen's first all-timber neighborhood. 

Based on traditional Danish urban and rural typologies, Henning Larsen's 18.1-hectare masterplan aims to serve as a model for sustainable living that harmoniously balances human priorities with nature. The proposal reflects the needs of Copenhagen residents, who offered feedback for each proposal during the competition.

The masterplan will develop in phases and grow outward from three distinct “cores” that frame the neighborhood at large, Henning Larsen says. This approach maximizes access to nature for residents and allow the landscape to organically integrate into the project site.

Henning Larsen worked with biologists and environmental engineers from MOE to design a scheme that preserves 40 percent of the undeveloped landscape on site. “Green corridors draw the surrounding landscape into the masterplan, dividing Fælledby into three smaller enclaves. These corridors allow residents increased and direct access to nature, but more importantly, allow the animal species of Amager Fælled to move freely through and within the area.”

Nests for birds and bats are integrated within building facades, ponds at the center of each of Fælledby’s three communities as well as community gardens are included to welcome wildlife and increase biodiversity. The design team created narrow roads and underground parking to keep nature as the focal point.

“We see a potential to build a new city that speaks to the sensibilities of younger generations, to create a home for people seeking a solution on how to live in better harmony with nature. For us, Fælledby is a proof of concept that this can indeed be done,” said Henning Larsen partner Signe Kongebro. 

Check out project diagrams in the gallery below.