Copenhagen-based studio EFFEKT has completed a modular timber-framed charging station in Sønderborg, Denmark. 

Named Better Energy Charge, the project has transformed the conventional petrol station into a park where it was designed to bring a seamless and inviting mobility experience.

EFFEKT has designed a new fast charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) encapsulated organically-designed timber framing. 

Completed as a first pilot project for the renewable energy company Better Energy, the project was aimed to "address the pressing challenges of EV adoption and charging infrastructure across Europe while promoting the synergy between renewable energy, environmental consciousness and technology."

The studio described the project as "unlike traditional gas stations that rely on carbon-intensive materials such as concrete, steel, asphalt, and glass". 

Due to its permeable surfaces, recreational spaces in natural surroundings and biobased materials, the charging station incorporates local ecosystems and habitats for wildlife and plants. 

According to the studio, "this integration will become even more apparent in Spring when a vibrant mix of wild meadow flora will surround the charging park – offering users a nature experience in a biodiverse space – making the charging experience more than just a practicality."

The key features of the project are its modularity and assembled and disassembled components. Wrapped with large cross-laminated timber, the structure contributes to lower CO2 emissions in the atmosphere throughout its entire lifespan. 

"One of the major discussions we have in Europe today concerns the resistance to the deployment of green energy technology. However, technology does not have to be in opposition to nature; in fact, it is a prerequisite for preserving the natural world and ecosystems that we inhabit and are entirely dependent on," said EFFEKT Co-founder and Creative Director, Sinus Lynge. 

“If we re-establish the idea of humans being an integral part of the natural world, architecture and infrastructure become the means to design human-nature relationships in a new way." 

"With the design for Better Energy Charge, we hope to demonstrate to the Danish and European people that we can use technology to reconnect with nature if we are careful about getting the design right," he continued.

A glimpse into the future of green mobility 

Inspired by the curved car lanes that make up the charging station's primary function, the organic shape of the station was designed to signal the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

"We wanted the pavilion's design to be organic and inviting, much like Danish furniture classics. We have used nature’s own materials – the construction is built in cross-laminated timber, which binds CO2 from the atmosphere throughout its entire lifespan," explained Sinus Lynge.

It minimizes waste and enhances scalability

The sustainability principles are applied throughout the lifecycle of the station, bringing the use of mass timber to the forefront and to minimise waste and enhance scalability. 

The team has devised a modular grid system that allows for easy expansion or downsizing to accommodate different site requirements. It also enables the effortless disassembly and repurposing of building components.

"With Better Energy Charge, we had the opportunity to rethink the mobility experience by incorporating best practices from the energy, ecology, and building sectors. Electric cars take some time to charge, so in addition to essential charging facilities, it was an important consideration that the station features quality services and recreational areas in natural surroundings for drivers and passengers to rest and relax," said Sinus Lynge. 

"Electric cars are quiet, have no harmful emissions, and don't spill oil and gasoline. This allowed us to champion eco-friendly features such as a green sedum roof and flower beds that absorb rainwater and permeable paving that blurs the boundaries between the green surroundings and the driving areas," he added.

Building life cycle

Designing with nature

From gas station to charging park

Integrated charging park

Visitors are also allowed to access the rooftop to get a view of Better Energy’s R&D solar park or to look inside a showroom to learn more about renewable energy.

EFFEKT and C.F. Møller Architects completed a new maritime academy in a gridded volume in the old port and shipping town of Svendborg, Denmark. 

The firm is also working on a new headquarters for German publishing house Kieler Nachrichten in Kiel, Germany. 

EFFEKT was established by Tue Hesselberg Foged and Sinus Lynge in 2007. The firm is a research-based design studio working at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, landscape, and R&D. 

Project facts

Project name: Better Energy Charge

Architect: EFFEKT Architects

Design team: Sinus Lynge, Kasper Ax, Daniel Veenboer, Frida Nordvik, Vilde Livsdatter Sønderland, Lucas Helander, Aleksandra Bator.

Location: Sønderborg, Denmark

Client: Better Energy

Engineer: Hobson rådgivende ingeniører, Ergodomus

Completion year: 2023

All images © Rasmus Hjortshøj.

All drawings © EFFEKT Architects. 

> via EFFEKT 

biobased built charging station EFFEKT timber