Housing affordability is one of the key challenges facing cities across Europe and around the world. But it isn't just a housing issue - it's also about how we build, transform, and create cities that are more inclusive and equitable.
Living Places Copenhagen has been selected as an exemplary project for the New European Bauhaus Catalogue of Blueprints for Affordable and Resilient Homes. The feature highlights one of the core ambitions behind Living Places: to demonstrate that healthier, more affordable homes with low carbon emissions can be built - and scaled - today using existing materials, technologies, and knowledge.
For the past half year EFFEKT has been working on the plans for the future development of Refshaleøen, one of the most significant urban development opportunities in Copenhagen’s recent history.
We’re excited to announce that Harmonikahusene is an Architizer A+Awards finalist for the 'Multi-Unit Housing – Mid Rise (5–15 Floors)' category. Harmonikahusene is conceived as a green, open micro-neighbourhood - carefully integrated into its context and defined by a strong architectural identity.
Together with HØGDE, we’ve kicked off a preliminary study exploring the potential for a new power experience park in Bykle, Norway commissioned by Bykle Næringslag. The ambition is to create a destination that communicates the story of hydropower – its impact on landscapes and communities – while also looking ahead to future energy solutions, all in a way that engages and
We’re happy to share that EFFEKT, together with Holst Engineering, has been shortlisted for the architectural competition for Campus Fountain House in Copenhagen. The project, led by Fonden Fountain House Denmark in collaboration with Realdania and A.P. Møller Fonden, will create new, holistic spaces for community, learning, and well-being – supporting a growing number of young
This year, GAME Streetmekka Esbjerg celebrated its 10-year landmark birthday! Over 800 people joined the festivities organized by GAME – a testament to what the place means to the community.
A decade of use demonstrates how transformation can create new relevance – not only architecturally but socially. GAME Streetmekka Esbjerg is a hub for street culture, movement, and
We look forward to participating in the fifth edition of ARHITEKTA FORUM in Belgrade, exploring contemporary approaches to urban renewal. Under the theme Reurbanization, the forum will examine how cities can be revitalized from within – rethinking spaces, infrastructures, and patterns of everyday life. EFFEKT partner, Toni Rubio Soler, will join an international line-up of
We have been invited to transform the historic Tricotage Factory at Kronprinsesse Sofies Vej 35 in Frederiksberg. Originally home to Henriques & Løvengreen’s Tricotage Factory from 1898 to 1960, the property has since housed a range of educational institutions, including technical schools and University College Copenhagen (Københavns Professionshøjskole). With respect for the building’s
The development of a new mixed-use neighbourhood is now moving forward. Positioned between Valby, Grønttorvet, København Syd – set to become Denmark’s second-largest train station – and Sydhavn, the Strømmen site will serve as a key connector, strengthening both physical and social links across the area. With the sale of the site to Skanska, the City of
On Thursday, EFFEKT was awarded the Eckersberg Medal 2026 at the Danish Academy Council’s annual celebration at Charlottenborg Palace, in the presence of His Majesty King Frederik.
The medal is awarded by the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts to individuals and practices that have made a contribution of outstanding artistic quality within architecture and the visual arts.
As we conclude our series on how architectural quality can elevate micro-living, we’re taking a closer look at key elements that connect residents, city, and landscape at Harmonikahusene (UMEUS Noli) in Frederiksberg, Denmark: Emphasizing communal living through shared public courtyards and rooftop gardens that support both relaxation and social interaction
Last night at MIPIM in Cannes, Home.Earth Nærheden received the Best Residential Project Award!
For us, the project represents much more than a building. It’s an example of how the construction industry can move towards operating within planetary boundaries. As Tue Hesselberg Foged, Creative Director and Co-founder of EFFEKT, explains: “The collaboration with Home.Earth and the
Researcher Sander Løkkegaard Benner points out that industrial buildings are among the most climate-intensive building types, while also having some of the shortest lifespans. This makes them both a challenge and an opportunity for the green transition. In his ongoing industrial PhD at the Royal Danish Academy and Arkitema, Benner explores how the typology can evolve.
On April 22 at 2.45 pm you can meet Tue Hesselberg Foged, Co-founder and Creative Director at EFFEKT, at BG:VEST/Building Green Aarhus, Main Stage. Tue will share insights from the transformation of Hal 9 – the future headquarters and creative hub of Roskilde Festival in Musicon. Here, we are rethinking 2,000 m² of raw concrete and working systematically with radical reuse of
Our building suddenly became the backdrop for high notes, high drama, and Blachman in deep contemplation – framed by concrete, daylight and generous spatial flexibility. Not a bad stage for national television nerves! The project was developed in collaboration with C.F. Møller Architects, Artelia and MT Højgaard Danmark – and while it serves as the setting for Blachman’s bootcamp,
Visualization of the “new” constructions within the transformed industrial hall are made from reused concrete elements sourced from various demolition sites across Denmark. Hollow-core slabs are salvaged and used directly as the new floor structure. Formerly miscalculated and overly long foundation piles are repurposed as columns. Beams that once supported a lightweight roof
Despite winter weather that would have kept many indoors, a full room gathered in Copenhagen to mark the launch of Delhus i Kommunen (Shared House in Municipalities) — a new open-source tool designed to help municipalities unlock the potential of shared housing within existing buildings.
To us, this recognition reflects the strength of working together across disciplines and shared ambitions.
Together, we have developed and delivered 158 homes that are now fully built, leased, and in operation – proving that low-carbon housing can be both scalable and socially inclusive. Compared to a conventional DGNB Gold-certified residential project, construction emissions are reduced by 90%, and total lifetime emissions by more than 60%, without exceeding the cost of
Augustenborg is one of Denmark’s most coherent ducal towns – shaped by centuries of interplay between power, landscape, and architecture. The castle, the castle church, the palaces, the Baroque ensemble, and the parklands testify to a town that was once a European center, where city, nature, and representation were carefully choreographed.
Reuse On-Site (Genbrug på Matriklen) explores a reverse design process – one that begins with existing building materials and rethinks how architecture can emerge from what is already there.
Led by Arkitektskolen Aarhus and supported by Realdania, the research brings together architects, researchers, engineers, contractors, and reuse specialists to investigate direct reuse on-site, from
How can we create more housing without building new? Join us for the Copenhagen launch of Delhus i Kommunen (Shared House in Municipalities) on February 5th at Dreyers Fond’s Valencia Venue. Louise Heebøll and Fabian Lecker will present the project’s key findings, followed by a panel debate exploring the challenges of implementing these insights.
We are honoured to share that EFFEKT has been awarded the 2025 OPAL Special Award for Sustainability! The OPAL Award, part of the Outstanding Property Awards in London, celebrate a select number of firms and individuals each year whose work makes an exceptional contribution to the built environment.
Together with Arkitema, EFFEKT has been selected to lead the landscape and public space design for Hospitalshaven in Frederiksberg. Building on our winning parallel commission, we’re taking the next step in transforming the former hospital grounds into an open, green, and welcoming urban neighbourhood. Guided by the development plan “Growing the new from the old”, our work will
EFFEKT, alongside Artelia and GXN, has been prequalified for the third phase of Esbjerg's International Quarter. The project centres on reimagining Portalparken, creating a new public square, and adding a pavilion. Priorities include stormwater management, circular materials, and spaces that bring residents together. Green, functional, and built for everyday use.
Rotterdam's Municipal Executive Committee has adopted the Waterkant urban development plan, now heading to City Council for approval. Located along the Nieuwe Maas in Feyenoord City, the scheme proposes around 3,740 homes and 70,000 m² of amenities, shaped by a landscape-led approach that places connected green space at its core.
Our design for a 6,000 m² biophilic residential project in Fukuoka sits between a quiet townhouse neighbourhood and the busy city centre. Six storeys of stacked volumes allow light to reach deep into homes while creating space for gardens and terraces throughout. Greenery, shared facilities, and rooftop spaces encourage community life.
What if transforming just 15% of single-family homes could meet future housing needs without building new? Delhus i Kommunen offers municipal planners open-source tools to convert existing homes into multi-family housing. Developed by EFFEKT and Vigør with Lejre Kommune and Bevar Mere, the project launches in January. Learn more at effekt.dk/delhus.
Sinus Lynge's Daylight Talk, "The Nature of Light," is now available to stream. Delivered at the Royal Danish Academy, the lecture explores how daylight shapes four EFFEKT projects: Living Places, SIMAC, Harmonikahusene, and the Forest Tower. Thanks to Tina Christensen, the VELUX Group, and all who attended.
We're looking for an ambitious intern to join our Business Development and Communications Team in Nørrebro. Based at our Blågårdsgade office, you'll work across communication and business tasks in a social, active environment. The paid full-time role runs February to June 2026. Apply by December 18. More details on our website.
Harmonikahusene in Frederiksberg is nominated for Årets Arne 2026. The project offers 700 compact homes for students and young professionals, with custom bay windows that bring daylight, natural ventilation, and views into every unit. Shared spaces, rooftop gardens, and direct access to Copenhagen's supercycle path complete the design.
Hidden behind Gammel Kongevej's historic facades, we're working with homeowners Naomi and Jacob Aisen to transform an 1890 carpentry workshop into a contemporary home. The renovation preserves the building's original character while adding daylight and comfort through subtle additions like a French balcony and terrace opening onto a shared courtyard.
