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Monochromatic low-energy class 1 admin building in Viborg nears completion
These stunning images of the nearly completed Viborg Town Hall by Henning Larsen Architects (HLA) were captured by architectural photographer Martin Schubert on a recent trip to the site. Encompassing almost 20,000 sq m of gleaming white commercial space, the geometric box has become a symbol of the new large municipal community.
The second largest municipality in Denmark, Viborg is one of the country’s oldest towns dating back to the 8th century. HLA’s stark white and glass complex is highly contemporary for the town, whose streets are lined with rows of classic red brick homes and traditional stonework institutions.
Due to house 800 employees within its walls, Viborg Town Hall comprises a grand atrium with sweeping staircase, canteen, meeting rooms, a roof terrace with views of Viborg Cathedral, and six floors of office and administration spaces. HLA has ensured that a large proportion of the interior areas are very flexible, with the canteen, foyer and adjoining meeting room offering the ability to be transformed into a conference centre.
The building itself is located on a former barracks plot just outside the town centre and features a large number of windows through which natural daylight can penetrate, drastically reducing energy demands. HLA has incorporated numerous sustainable factors into the design, including natural ventilation, active and passive cooling systems, solar panels, groundwater cooling, treble glazing, and rainwater collection.
Speaking at the topping out ceremony last year, Frank Mikkelsen, Chief of Staff in Viborg commented: “The architect has succeeded in creating a work of art whose aesthetics reflect the values of a modern administration building. It will be a very open building indeed.”
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