PHL: Designing the future of Copenhagen’s water supply
Through innovative design, PLH has crafted the Gevninge Waterworks to provide softened water across Greater Copenhagen, benefiting both citizens and the environment. The project merges functionality with sustainability, reflecting HOFOR's goals of reducing environmental impact and offering enhanced quality of life for Copenhagen’s residents.
A forward-looking waterworks blending functionality, innovation, and design
HOFOR required a robust, adaptable waterworks facility that could supply softened water to Copenhagen and the surrounding areas, enhancing household appliance longevity and environmental benefits. PLH designed a waterworks that will endure time in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
In designing the Gevninge Waterworks, insights gained from earlier projects, such as the waterworks at Søndersø and Thorsbro, were essentail. Key reflections and collaborations were fundamental to the project. With a sustainable design, adaptable structure, and high functional standards, making the Gevninge project a model for future facilities.
Gevninge Waterworks integrates a sleek, industrial aesthetic with sustainable materials, featuring curved, aluminium-clad façades inspired by water’s surface tension. A transparent main façade invites viewers to witness the water treatment process, while its modular design allows for future expansions. The softened water produced at the facility reduces scale buildup, supporting both environmental goals and Copenhagen’s commitment to resilient infrastructure.
Designing the Gevninge facility presented a unique opportunity to blend architectural elegance with the strict technical requirements of water treatment, all while maximizing sustainability.
About PLH
PLH is architects, designers, strategists, construction architects, visualisation experts, communicators, and model builders, dedicated to bringing out the best in people through the transformative power of architecture and design. PLH transforms complex problems into creative solutions. One size does not fit all. Each building or room is carefully created as an answer to a difficult question their clients have. PLH works primarily within corporate HQ’s, life science, homes, workplace strategy & design, infrastructure and retail.