The Danish Financial Services Union is located in an existing building at Applebys Plads No. 5 in the Christianshavn neighborhood of Copenhagen. The property enjoys an attractive location as part of the Applebys Plads block, which stretches between Langebrogade, Inderhavnen, the Christianshavn Canal, and Voldgården.

In our work on the Finanshuset building, we have assessed the existing structure and developed a strategic plan for which elements make sense to transform. We have considered various layout solutions as well as different approaches regarding materials and installations.

The overarching sustainability strategy focuses directly on distinguishing between rational, functional improvements and purely aesthetic transformations, with the goal that all transformations in the project incorporate both elements. This means that necessary functional improvements and distinctive aesthetic updates are equally important parts of the architectural concept.

In the building’s central atrium, we are creating a “super-furniture” consisting of sound-regulating screens, small meeting rooms for digital meetings, single-person spaces, quiet rooms, and touch-down areas.

To optimize the building’s energy efficiency, a mega-blind facing south will be installed, covering the entire large glass facade from ground level to the roofline. The mega-blind features balconies where people can step out to take a break or hold an informal meeting. The new facade will become a distinctive “face” of the building, marking the main entrance and extending a warm welcome.

At ABC, we specialize in projects where sustainability must be incorporated from the initial phases to avoid wasting usable building materials and to reduce the need to produce new ones.
By reusing as much as possible, we avoid the need to produce new, CO2-intensive structural elements for the construction. Therefore, we prioritize the use of climate-friendly, Nordic Swan Ecolabel-certified materials.

The design and consulting work has focused on low energy consumption, daylight optimization, a healthy indoor climate, and a high level of workplace comfort; ventilation with heat recovery, optimized daylight intake, and hypoallergenic materials are some of the specific elements mentioned.

This project is not merely a cosmetic update, but a strategic transformation focused on employee well-being, membership growth, and modern workplace design.