3XN Architects and landscape architects SLA Architects have completed a climate research center on Danish harbour, in Lemvig, the building is moulded with a giant wooden wave that creates a public space to meet, sit and relax. 

Named Klimatorium Climate Center, the 1,600-square-metre building is inspired by Lemvig’s historic boat-building facilities in the history found in the spectacular natural scenery of the Limfjord and the strong communities of the port.

The new Klimatorium was designed as an innovative and creative mini-hub for storm surge, water, and climate research. Besides its open public facilities and recreational outdoor spaces, the building also offers innovative opportunities to experience, sense, and use the unique natural surroundings of Lemvig and the Limfjord.

The team aimed to design a robust and inviting Klimatorium that is pragmatic and memorable with its architectural language. The building's materials have been kept simple, wood, concrete, and steel were used in the project. 

A giant wooden wave on its façade becomes the symbol of the building, which rises above the main entrance and makes the building an easily recognisable landmark. 

"This motif is inspired by Lemvig’s characteristic fishing boats and is a tribute to the area's cultural history and local building customs," said 3XN.

"A key design element has been to create an inviting building with clear references to the function of the building as well as its location in the Port of Lemvig," said Jan Ammundsen, architect and senior partner at 3XN.

"The tiled wave made of wood gives the building a strong identity. Both inside and out, it becomes a gathering point and social meeting place for Klimatorium employees and guests as well as the people of Lemvig," Ammundsen added.

The floating structure and use of glass give the Klimatorium a distinct contemporary look. The building has two storey and provides a low profile that is suited to its scale and adapted to fit in with the existing buildings in the port area. 

To give a simple and rustic look, the first floor is surrounded by black-stained wooden slats, and they also protect the building against direct sunlight.

Inside, the Klimatorium offers office spaces, meeting rooms, common areas, and a publicly accessible café and exhibition area that focus on creating social synergies by encouraging users of the building to engage in different kinds of interaction, meetings, and collaboration. 

Visual contact, a flexible framework, attractive meeting points, overlapping functions, and activity-based design all contribute to reinforcing social relations within the building as well as promoting community and innovation.

The team has created a climate corridor and barriers to protect the building from flood. 

"The Klimatorium highlights the development of the Port of Lemvig from a commercial port to one of Denmark’s most impressive experience ports while the extensive and integrated flood protection of the port is finally completed," said the team.

SLA Architects has gently designed the project’s landscape and nature design, by integrating the Green Climate Corridor. The Climate Corridor is partly an ‘expo landscape’ for users of the Klimatorium and partly a public green urban space with a pleasant microclimate and diverse outdoor urban life options for everyone.

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

3XN was founded by Kim Herforth Nielsen in 1986. A sinuous Olympic House in Lausanne and Sydney's new Fish Market, cube Berlin building are among notable projects of 3XN. 

Kim Herforth Nielsen previously spoke to WAC's the Netherlands Reporter Lola Kleindouwel as part of WAC's Live Interview Series. Watch Kim Herforth Nielsen's interview on our IGTV. 

Project facts

Project name: Klimatorium Climate Center

Architects: 3XN Architects, SLA Architects

Location: Lemwig, Denmark 

Size: 1,600m2 

Date: 2021 

All images © Adam Mørk

All drawings © 3XN

> via 3XN