Frederiksberg Courthouse | 3XN

Frederiksberg Courthouse, rendering courtesy of 3XN

Frederiksberg Courthouse, rendering courtesy of 3XN

Danish practice 3XN has won the competition to design the Frederiksberg Courthouse located in Copenhagen, DK. The facade is designed as an expression of the structure’s solidity, which to create a better relationship with the existing building and the surroundings in the neighbourhood of Frederiksberg.

The new Courthouse will be a natural extension of the existing neo-classical building, yet still maintaining its own identity through a modern and contemporary expression. The building design is therefore composed with clear references to the architectural style of the refined neighborhood of Frederiksberg. The form of the structure is both classic and dynamic – standing as a modern interpretation of the classical saddle style roof

3XN

+ Project description courtesy of 3XN

3XNs winning proposal for the expansion to the Frederiksberg Courthouse takes its signal from the distinct roof and robust materials of the neighbouring neo-classical facility designed by Hack Kampmann. The design of the courthouse is therefore composed with clear references to the architectural style of the refined neighbourhood of Frederiksberg, fitting in nicely with the surroundings – but still distinctly making its mark within the context of the place.

The proposal takes its shape from the site boundaries, and designed at a respectful angle of 45 degrees to the listed existing courtbuilding. The result is an open corridor between the two buildings while maintaining a visual distinction for the Hack Kampmann building. These challenges are the basis for an informed structure which is both classical and dynamic with its curved form – standing as a modern interpretation of the classical saddle style roof.

While the exterior form places emphasis on adjacencies with the existing building, the interior focuses on compliance with the law reform’s requirements on security and internal segregrations in the building.

Therefore, the building provides its employees, the defendants, witnesses and guests an open environment with an optimally separated flow between the different user groups.

Frederiksberg Courthouse, rendering courtesy of 3XN

A small atrium cuts through the middle of the building; drawing light deep into the interior creating an open and airy connection across departments. This creates the feeling of direct daylight in the rooms and gives a general lightness to the building’s inner core, meeting the visitors as they come up from the foyer.

The facade is designed as an expression of the structure’s solidity – constructed in tile to create a relationship between the existing building-scape and the surroundings in the neighbourhood of Frederiksberg.

It is however, constructed in a light tone, providing the building with its own sense of identity.

+ Press release courtesy of 3XN

3XN wins architectural competition for Frederiksberg Courthouse

The expansion of the Courthouse in Frederiksberg, Denmark, will be a sculptural and classic structure, which at once expresses a welcoming transparency while maintaining the justice system’s sobriety and seriousnes.

The new Courthouse will be a natural extension of the existing neo-classical building, yet still maintaining its own identity through a modern and contemporary expression. The building design is therefore composed with clear references to the architectural style of the refined neighborhood of Frederiksberg. The form of the structure is both classic and dynamic – standing as a modern interpretation of the classical saddle style roof.

The interior of the courthouse focuses on compliance with the law reform’s requirements on security and internal segregations in the building. Therefore, the building provides its employees, the defendants, witnesses and guests an open and friendly environment in which it is easy for the different user groups to navigate. A small atrium cuts through the middle of the building; drawing light deep into the interior creating an open and airy connection across departments. This creates the feeling of direct daylight in the rooms and gives a general lightness to the building’s inner core, meeting the visitors as they come up from the foyer.

The Courthouse is expected for completion during the first half of 2012.

Frederiksberg Courthouse - South elevation, drawing courtesy of 3XN

Frederiksberg Courthouse - East elevation, drawing courtesy of 3XN

Frederiksberg Courthouse - North elevation, drawing courtesy of 3XN

Frederiksberg Courthouse - West elevation, drawing courtesy of 3XN

+ Project credits / data

Project: Frederiksberg Courthouse
Address: Howitzvej, Frederiksberg, DK
Award: 1. prize in invited competition 2009
Area: 5,000 m2
Budget: EUR 25 mio.

Architect: 3XN
The winning team is: 3XN, Lemming & Eriksson og Schønherr Landskab.
The other teams were: Arkitektfirmaet Kjær & Richter, Arkitema, Dissing & Weitling and Henning Larsen

Client: Slotsog Ejendomsstyrelsen
Engineer: Lemming; Eriksson
Landscape Architect: Schønherr Landskab

+ All images and drawings courtesy of 3XN