The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark

Picture of the Chrystal office building as seen from the street
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

What is the first picture that comes to your mind when someone says European architecture? Most of the people remember Rome, Athens, Paris and Barcelona. While southern Europe has rich historical architecture, northern Europe went fast into the 21st century.


The Crystal is brand new piece of modern architecture built in Copenhagen, Denmark. It's an office building, built for Nykredit company. The Crystal is designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, having sustainability as one of the goals. Energy consumption is only 70 kWh per square meter, while the roof is covered with photovoltaic panels generating 80,000 kWh/year.

"In terms of both form and scale, the building is intermediate between the city and the harbour, and harmonises with neighbouring buildings. On the southern side it rises with reference to the Elefanthuset’s gable apex and creates space for the main entrance.

From the corner of Puggardsgade and Hambrosgade there is passage under the building and a clear view out towards Nykredit’s head office building, called the Glass Cube, and the harbour. The interior layout of the building has been designed for optimum functionality, flexibility and ef¬ficiency. The typical floor plan is disposed in a Z-shape around two atria, which ensures that all workstations are well lit and enjoy a view. The disposition of the plan allows the accommodation of open plan, separate offices or meeting rooms.

The building is primarily supported by a rhombic construction system placed immediately inside the façade. The system functions both as an architectural element while also allowing the building to dispense with pillars."
          -Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of The Crystal and the plaza with fountains in front
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of the crystal office building as seen from the plaza at sunset
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of the crystal and the plaza as seen from the street
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of the crystal facade as seen from the street
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of sunset reflection on the facade of the crystal office building
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of modern architecture office building as seen from the street
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of the entrance into the underground parking garage
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of large corner interior space
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of the roof as seen from the lobby looking up
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of an offices in the crystal office building
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Picture of wooden staircase in the office building
The Crystal by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen, Denmark
© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

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