ELMEHOLM

UHPC balconies unite architecture, variation, and buildability in a canal district in Copenhagen

Build Year

2023-2026

Architect

Over Byen Arkitekter ApS

Entrepreneur

Nordstern

Engineer

AFRY ApS

Builder

Danica Ejendomsselskab ApS

A RESIDENTIAL PROJECT WITH HIGH ARCHITECTURAL VARIATION

At Sluseholmen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Elmeholm has been developed as the final residential block in the distinctive canal environment. The development consists of a single block with a total of 222 privately owned apartments, all with access to either balconies or private outdoor spaces.

The project is part of the broader canal district, where the architecture is inspired by classic townhouses and characterized by variation in façades, colors, and architectural expression. The ambition to create variation and individual housing identities places specific demands on the balcony solutions. The balconies must not only function as private outdoor spaces but also integrate naturally into the façade composition and support the variation in the building’s expression. At the same time, the solution must be robust and precise.

Hi-Con was involved to develop and deliver a balcony solution in Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) capable of handling both the complexity and the architectural ambitions of the project.

Elmeholm is pre-certified for DGNB Gold and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

HI-CON’S BALCONY SOLUTION IN ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

For Elmeholm, Hi-Con delivered an extensive balcony solution in Ultra High Performance Concrete, tailored to the project’s many variations and architectural requirements.

The delivery includes 279 balconies across 5 main types and approximately 30 variations, executed as both slab balconies and larger parapet balconies. The balconies have a slab thickness of approximately 80 mm.

The wide variation in balcony types reflects the project’s architectural approach, where each façade and housing type has been individually designed. UHPC’s high strength has made it possible to maintain slender dimensions across all variations while ensuring consistent quality and precision in every element. At the same time, the balconies function as practical outdoor spaces for residents, with a direct connection to the canal district and surrounding environment.

The prefabrication of the UHPC elements has been a key factor in managing the many variations. It has enabled consistent quality and efficient installation on site - an important advantage in a project with high complexity and many repeated elements.

What is UHPC?