Valby
Grønttorvet
A diverse and green district based on the history of the area
The 160,000 sqm site, which until 2016 housed Københavns Grønttorv, Copenhagen Markets, is currently being transformed into an attractive, diverse district with clear roots in the unique history of the area.
- Location
- Valby
- Status
- In progress
- Developer
- FB Gruppen A/S
A diverse and green district based on the history of the area
For more than half a century, fruit, vegetables and flowers were sold in the large market hall from 1954, where over 800 traders sold their goods every day in an exciting and vibrant environment with heavy traffic of vans and visitors.
In 2016, Copenhagen Markets moved to Høje Taastrup in a new, up-to-date setting, and the area in Valby could thus commence its transformation from industrial area to visionary and urban residential district. Sweco Architects contributes to the attractive district with four significant building projects.
“When the Grønttorvet project has been completed, it will stand as a distinctive and sustainable district with clear links to the special history of the area. The architecture and identity of the new district build on the qualities and characteristics of the area, while new buildings add more layers and facets to the area.” – Lene Foder, Architect
Grønttorvet will house a wide range of dwellings, commercial premises and services, and will therefore attract a mixed group of residents – here families, young people and senior citizens will live side by side. The homes are a combination of owner-occupied flats, rental flats and cooperative housing units, which together will contribute to a diverse group of residents, who will make Grønttorvet flourish once again. Institutions and service functions will be established in the surrounding area to provide a living district 24 hours a day as well as a safe and practical setting for the many residents’ daily lives.
A green residential area
In the coming years, 2,200 homes will shoot up on Grønttorvet, where Sweco Architects is, so far, involved in five different building projects – each with its own special character. A joint feature of these projects is that they reinterpret the industrial buildings that previously characterised the area. The design language of the buildings is therefore a combination of details and expressions inspired by traditional Copenhagen blocks and industrial architecture, so that Grønttorvet is integrated naturally into the surrounding city.
“The developer and the City of Copenhagen have high ambitions for the area, and, as consultants, we’ve worked closely with the developer, contractor and engineers and pooled our knowledge, which has resulted in a better economy, better sustainability and greater comfort for the end users.” – Lene Foder, Architect
Grønttorvet will become an urban district with high density combined with attractive communal areas – a district with a strong, green and renewable energy profile.
The flats are designed in line with current requirements for housing comfort, sustainability, outdoor areas and social communities. Therefore, priority is given to creating a number of facilities, including roof terraces with greenhouses and orangeries that allow for cultivation of vegetables, communal dining and other social activities.
A district with a strong, green and renewable energy profile
In the middle of the district, a large area will be laid out as a park for the benefit and pleasure of the local residents. The park will be located where the old market hall used to be, and will form the green heart of the district, where joint activities and non-binding socialising will have optimal opportunities to flourish.
