Havnehuset anchors cooperation within Copenhagen port

PLH has won the competition to design the new Havnehuset, located at Copenhagen's new container terminal. Havnehuset will serve as the head office for Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) while also housing facilities for the Danish Customs and the Port Police in a single shared hub.

The project aims to enhance innovation and cooperation within Denmark’s maritime and port sectors and is already well underway. It is co-designed with Rasmus Friis AS, ABC Rådgivende Ingeniører, and Opland Landscape.

Designed to promote seamless cooperation, the facility will consist of two interconnected buildings, offering modern workspaces, meeting areas, and shared facilities. With a focus on teamwork and efficient operations, the space is set to redefine how organisations within the maritime industry collaborate.

“We’re thrilled to be part of a project that encourages collaboration and innovation. Havnehuset will be more than just a workspace; it will serve as a unifying place where ideas are exchanged across disciplines and the entire organisation. Furthermore, we have focused on creating a flexible framework where the future of the maritime sector can be shaped,” says Lars Toksvig, partner at PLH.

A space for connection

In addition to flexible, modern workspaces, the facility will feature locker rooms, an open atrium, a meeting center, and a shared canteen with access to a large rooftop terrace.

These common areas are designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across departments, all with the goal of creating a strong connection between CMP, Danish Customs, and the Port Police.

The project aims to enhance coordination, streamline processes, and encourage the exchange of ideas that will drive the future of Denmark’s maritime industry.

Designed to reflect the port’s identity and spirit

The architectural design draws inspiration from the surrounding harbour’s iconic stacked containers, giving Havnehuset a distinctive maritime identity that connects it to its surroundings. Its silhouette, reminiscent of stacked containers, also ensures that every floor and user of the building has direct access to a sheltered rooftop terrace. The modern design will reflect the dynamic energy of the port while providing a functional and welcoming space for its users.

“This design will not only reflect the spirit of the port but also provide the facility with a strong identity rooted in the maritime landscape,” says Lars Toksvig, Partner at PLH.

PLH looks forward to seeing the positive impact Havnehuset will have on the maritime sector and the collaborations it will inspire.