image © C.F. Møller 

The Danish Parliament wishes to upgrade the visual appearance of the Danish power grid. As a result, Energinet.dk has decided not to construct a new large open-air switchgear station in Vejen, Jutland, but instead build a gas-insulated switchgear station - also called a GIS station. The idea has been to give the technical enclosure of the station, placed in the open landscape, a distinct architectonic profile, and at the same time maximize the future flexibility.

image © C.F. Møller 

The enclosure has therefore been designed as a series of modules, each module consisting of a lightweight shellwith a slanted roof and a folded exterior surface which adds lateral stability. Arranged in series, the modules create a transparent gill-like envelope with triangular openings, letting ample daylight into the interior and allowing glimpses of the GIS units at the heart of the building.

image © C.F. Møller 

All this gives the design an unmistakeable and strong sculptural and facetted identity. With the progressing daylight, the folded surface creates an ever-changing play of shadows, altering its appearance all day and all year round.

image © C.F. Møller 

image © C.F. Møller 

image © C.F. Møller 

image © C.F. Møller 

image © C.F. Møller 

Project Facts

Architect

Design architects: C.F. Møller Executive architects: Kærsgaard & Andersen

Landscape:C.F. Møller Landscape

Client:Energinet.dk

Location:Denmark

Size:1650 m² (450 m² workshops and 1200 m² GIS building)

Year:2011-2013

> via C.F. Møller