The competition for the design of a new, future-proof headquarters for DLF located in Smørum, 20 km west of Copenhagen, has been decided and the winning bid was submitted by PLH Arkitekter together with Nordland.

The new building is tailored to DLF's wish to have a sustainable, socially responsible building, where the focus is on using sustainable materials, in addition to optimizing and reducing energy consumption. At the same time, employees will experience the latest in modern workplace design with bright, flexible office space and fitness rooms, lounge areas, a large canteen, state-of-the-art laboratories, plant growth facilities and much more.

“We are incredibly happy that DLF has entrusted us with the task of designing their future headquarters. DLF has high ambitions when it comes to sustainability and employee well-being. These are ambitions we share and have the expertise to bring to life. The new headquarters will be a bright, welcoming place that reflects DLF's DNA and the company’s demand for a modern place of work. You will get that experience from the moment you enter the atrium, that has a direct view of the facilities for plant research and further out onto the hilly river valley,” says Lars Toksvig, Project Responsible Partner at PLH Arkitekter.

Søren Halbye, Group CEO of DLF, states:
“We have been looking forward to seeing the architects' proposals for what DLF's new headquarters might look like and we think that the proposal from the architects at PLH and Nordland hits the spot when it comes to our values and our request for an innovative design that focuses on user-friendliness and sustainability. We are looking forward to this collaboration, where together with PLH/Nordland and with input from our employees, we will jointly set the framework for our future place of work.”

The new headquarters will be centrally located on a scenic plot of land at Kildedal Bakke in Egedal Municipality near the S-train and motorway, making it easy to get to and from the building, which will accommodate approximately 100 employees.

To take advantage of the site's level differences and ensure a natural harmony with the landscape and surroundings, the building's floors will be staggered so that they follow the hilly terrain. Further down the line, it will be examined how the green areas can be utilized in the best possible way, taking into account wishes from the local community.

Headquarters based on DLF's values

Four different design studios participated in the competition to design the future headquarters. Among the reasons why the judges selected the PLH/Nordland proposal for the project are:

“It is a sustainable building with a strong narrative that reflects DLF's values. The treatment of the terrain and how this becomes a built landscape, which characterizes the building's interior atmosphere and outdoor areas around the building, is both simple and convincing. The materials, spaciousness and use of daylight are convincing both inside and out. Overall, it is a project that fulfills DLF's requests extremely well.”

FACTS:

DLF's future headquarters:

• Construction of the new headquarters is scheduled to begin in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2024
• The new headquarters will be approximately 4,200 m² in size
• Around 100 employees will use the building daily
• Rambøll is the client's advisor and manages the project

PLH Arkitekter:

• PLH Arkitekter is one of Denmark's largest independent design studios with 130 employees
• PLH specializes in innovative architecture and design that is particularly adapted to the users’ needs
• PLH Arkitekter has one of the country's most recognized expert teams in interior and workplace design
• Among the companies that PLH Arkitekter has designed headquarters for are DSV Transport, Aller, and DLG

Nordland Arkitekter:

• Nordland Arkitekter is a young, Danish design studio with six employees
• Nordland Arkitekter works to create sustainable, aesthetic and functional solutions that integrate the building, user and landscape
• Nordland works with the site's existing qualities and creates architecture rooted in the context
• Nordland Arkitekter has won several competitions nationally and internationally, including for offices, schools and parking garages

DLF:

• DLF is a global seed group and world market leader in forage and lawn seeds with a full value chain in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania
• DLF has more than 2,200 employees in over 20 countries and a turnover of DKK 8.5 billion.
• DLF is currently based in Roskilde