British architecture firm Foster + Partners has completed the headquarters of Ferring Pharmaceuticals with cantilevered roof canopy in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Named Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, the six-storey building is situated on a site occupying a pivotal waterfront position alongside the Øresund crossing, just north of Copenhagen International Airport.

The site is surrounded by predominantly low-rise development and the building provides fantastic views towards Malmö and the Swedish coast – where the company was founded.

Dusk view from the south. The building's ground floor sits onto a solid plinth raised above sea level to minimise risk of flooding

"From the selection of this extraordinary site to the high aspirations for the building and the role it could play, this project was driven by the vision of our client, Frederik Paulsen," said Grant Brooker, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners. 

"It was an honour to be trusted to design and deliver that vision, creating a new home for the people who are at the heart of this pioneering company." 

"We have enjoyed unwavering support from the client team, the local authorities, and our collaborating designers, particularly our colleagues at Mikkelsen Architects, with whom we have worked hand in hand to realise this unique project," Brooker added.

Trees and planter shrubs provide greenery and a sense of nature into the atrium space

The building sits on a large plinth to act as a defence against potential floods. The design also integrates robust street furniture and resilient soft landscaping, which responds to the harsh marine environment. 

The studio aimed to create a balance between the lightweight glass building and the heavy plinth below. Due to the lightweight structure of the building, it gives an impression that it "floats" above the plinth.  

All programs are distributed across six stacked floors, while the roof canopy is cantilevered out to further capture the surrounding views and generate self-shaded spaces on each floor. 

The upper atrium edges incorporate a variety of social and working spaces to animate the atrium

"This also creates a dynamic atrium space inside the building. The triangular architectural form is driven by the shape of the site, surrounded by water on all sides," said Foster + Partners.

The studio created a generous atrium at the heart of the building to incorporate a full height wall with views towards Sweden, an entrance lobby, restaurant and break-out space, as well as catered conference facilities and space for social events. 

The Ferring Building have stepped floors with integrated balconies, influenced by nautical references

The edges of the atrium have been designed to be used flexibly so that the staff can easily and efficiently reconfigure these spaces, by moving seating and tables into different locations. 

Access to the floors above is via a feature staircase or glass lifts that further animate the atrium space.

Bridges connect across the atrium glazed wall allowing dramatic sea and internal atrium views

"We worked with Ferring to develop an in-depth understanding of the way they work. Through observations and targeted interviews, we gained valuable insight into the processes involved in the development of their drugs," said David Kong, Partner at Foster + Partners.

"In turn, we have designed a building that responds to the company’s specific needs and brings the range of Ferring’s activities under one roof," Kong added.

Offices and laboratories, envisioned as quiet and individual work spaces, are arranged on the edges, to take advantage of the views and natural light.

The full height atrium glazed wall frames a view towards Sweden with minimal visual interruptions. Semi mature trees promote wellbeing to the atrium space

On the other hand, more collaborative meeting spaces are located towards the centre, overlooking the top-lit atrium and other social spaces creating a vibrant core of the building throughout each level.

"The new headquarters embodies our company’s core values, reflecting the open and collaborative working style that we have fostered. Our employees are delighted to be working in such a dynamic and generous building - with a truly social heart," said Marianne Kock, General Manager at Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Bridges connect across the atrium glazed wall allowing dramatic sea and internal atrium views

The main components of the façade are designed horizontally to consonance with the surrounding area’s low-rise urban fabric. The studio incorporates the technical plant and building cores into the cantilevering roof form, giving it a sleek profile. 

"The geometry of the atrium roof is a form-found, glazed gridshell dome, reflecting the forces acting upon it, allowing for thin, lightweight structural members," said Foster + Partners. 

The full height atrium glazed wall frames a view towards Sweden with minimal visual interruptions

Daylight is allowed to enter into the interior spaces, creating an uplifting, light-filled workplace. Each triple glazed panel has been cold bent to create the building’s striking glass dome.  

A striking feature staircase connects the all the floors from the atrium floor level

View of the glazed roof geometry. Triple glazed panels are cold bent into place onto an optimised lightweight steel grid shell structure

Perimeter offices have transparency externally for views to the sea and also towards the atrium. Each office have high acoustic requirements to create a quiet working environment

The feature staircase incorporates acoustic absorption behind the perforated timber slits to maintain noise levels within the atrium space

The steel roof dome structure forms a double curved geometry with an optimised steel elements to form a visually lightweight roof

View of the Building from harbour, the base of the plinth incorporates a public promenade with landscaping and benches

View from north. The site is surrounded by a private harbour

Laboratories incorporate full height glazing to allow views out and daylight internally

Atrium steps back on the upper floors to create a variety of work and social spaces to activate the atrium edges and allow views towards the sea and Sweden

Feature staircase with slotted acoustic timber panelling and integrated seating on the steps

Night view from south, the cantilevered overhanging roof extends over the floors below. Each floor is surrounded by metal balconies

View from west. A public landscaped promenade incorporating benches surround the perimeter of the building. The building's entrance building is announced by a dramatic overhanging roof

Site plan

Level Lower Ground 2

Level Lower Ground 1

Ground floor plan

Level 1 plan

Level 5 plan

Section

East elevation

South elevation

Foster + Partners recently completed DJI Sky City Skyscrapers in Shenzhen and completed the gold-patterned Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which will be the centrepiece venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. 

Project facts

Project name: Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S

Architects: Foster + Partners

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark.

Collaborating architect: Mikkelsen Architects

Structural engineering: Jacobs Italia S.p.A

Appointment: 2014

Client: Ferring

Area: 23,500m2

Date: 2022

Top image: Night time view with the illuminated Ferring logo. The large ground floor height announces the social spaces of the building.

All images © Nigel Young / Foster + Partners.

All drawings © Foster + Partners.

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