At EFFEKT, 30% of our built projects are transformations. With over a decade of experience, architect and project lead Gitte Juul Sørensen specializes in unlocking the hidden potential of existing buildings, ensuring they remain relevant for generations to come.

"Transformation is an opportunity to honour the past while shaping the future. Rather than replacing, we optimize—working within a building’s original structure to create meaningful relationships between old and new, reducing carbon impact and adding long-term value." She explains.

Gitte has played a key role in transformations like Amager Bio, Rosenhøj Youth Housing, and the former E/F Enghavecentret —projects that share a strong LCA profile, use of timber panels and contrasts that enhance the depth of time and place. Her recent work on Familieboliger, nominated for Renoverprisen, and Fuglebakkevej (a new build and a transformation of the existing block and courtyard), praised in Ane Cortzen’s ‘RadioTegl’ podcast, showcase thoughtful detailing, material choices and indoor-outdoor transition zones. Right now, Gitte Juul Sørensen is involved in the transformation of the former industrial hall ‘Hal 9’ into a creative hub and headquarters for Roskilde Festival Group—an ambitious project pushing the boundaries of reuse in construction.

Bridging research and design, EFFEKT is also part of Genbrug på matriklen (Reuse On-Site), a research project led by Arkitektskolen Aarhus and supported by Realdania, exploring innovative ways to reclaim and repurpose materials directly on-site—from timber and bricks to steel and insulation.