New headquarters with character on Aalborg’s waterfront

Norlys Headquarters

A spectacular building rises towards the Danish inlet Limfjord. Featuring a sharply sloping roof and lush terraces, the design allows it to seamlessly integrate with the landscape and creates a welcoming gateway to the city.

Aerial view of harbor with modern buildings, industrial tanks, and boats on a sunny day.

Facts about the project

  • Client

    Norlys

  • Place

    Aalborg, Denmark

  • Contractor

    A. Enggaard

  • Engineering consultant

    Niras

  • Status

    Completed

  • Size

    11 700 sqm

  • Photographer

    Jacob Due

Spiral wooden staircase with warm lighting, leading down to green plants below.
Modern wooden staircase with vertical slat paneling in a bright interior space.

Workspaces with a view of the fjord

The old industrial harbour area in Aalborg is being revitalised, and one of the new features is the new headquarters for Norlys, accommodating 700 employees. The concept for the office is based on an architectural, functional and sustainable approach to its design and the angled shape ensures that all three aspects are unified and realised. The angled structure ensures around 85% of all workspaces benefit from views of the water. Besides enhancing employee satisfaction, this design also prevents workspaces from overheating from the sun’s rays.

Office environment facilitating collaboration

The use of wood and warm colours have been key elements in the interior design. Each floor offers a different experience through the furnishings and the varying sizes. An atrium buzzing with activity, connects the spaces. A large spiral wooden staircase invites employees to enjoy some light exercise instead of taking the lift. There are also views between floors and features that facilitate interaction and collaboration between levels and departments.

  • Modern waterfront building with green rooftop, surrounded by parking and adjacent to other buildings.
  • Modern multi-story office building interior with spiral staircase and glass walls, people walking.
  • Modern building facade with textured brick wall and dark metal panels
  • Aerial view of Norlys headquarters, modern building near water in industrial cityscape.
  • Modern Norlys building with parked cars and trees in the foreground against a blue sky background.
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Terraces to the south

The roof’s slope means that the 11,700 m² building appears inviting upon arrival from the city, with attractive terraces on multiple levels. The sloping roof is made lush with greenery and becomes a natural part of the surrounding landscape. Solar panels will be installed on the upper part of the south-facing roof surface.