Structure: KIRK KAPITAL A/S Headquarters
Clients: KIRK KAPITAL A/S, a securities and investment company dealing in real estate, shipping, and aircraft
Architect: Danish-Icelandic artist and sometimes architect Olafur Eliasson, whose past structures include the 2007 edition of the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, along with the glimmering glass facade of Reykjavík’s Harpa concert hall and conference center.
Location: Vejle, Denmark
History: KIRK KAPITAL approached Eliasson to expand their office space because of his skill “with space and the relationship between buildings, cityscape, and users,” according to CEO Bjarne Ammitzbøll. Completion is scheduled for 2016.
Cost: TBA
Purpose: While the investment company’s operations will dominate the upper floors, the building’s ground level will be open to the public, featuring a café and exhibition space, with commercial leases available for the levels in between. The building is part of a completely new development in Vejle’s commercial harbor called Harbor Island, a man-made piece of land that will feature 12 new residential and commercial buildings. Collaborators on the ambitious project include Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter, Vogt Landscape Architects, and the Vejle Municipality.
Features: The new headquarters’ plans show it rising dramatically out of the harbor’s water, giving it a very medieval castle beyond-the-mote effect. It’s going to be all circles, composed of three rook-like structures bearing oscillating brick facades with floor-to-ceiling windows peeking through. Circular atria will be the focal point of the glass and brick interiors, as well as, we’re sure, delightful views of passing sailboats.