DLG, headquarters, Fredericia

DLG's new headquarters brings together a number of functions under one roof in Fredericia, closer to the customers and owners of DLG in the agriculture business. Visible from the Little Belt Bridge to Jutland, the headquarters constitute a new landmark with its iconic shape occupying the landscape and reaching for the horizon.

Categories

  • Corporate
  • Workplace design

Location

Fredericia, Denmark

Year

2018 – 2020

Status

Completed

Size

7,500 m²

Client(s)

AP Pension and DLG

Denmark's largest agribusiness company DLG has reorganized and moved their headquarters from Axelborg in central Copenhagen to Fredericia – closer to their customers. Here, PLH Arkitekter has designed a new office building for 300 employees, placed in picturesque surroundings. The 7,500 m2 building is beautifully positioned with views of the waters of Little Belt between the island of Funen and the Jutland peninsula. As they cross the Little Belt Bridge towards Fredericia, travellers will notice a unique building that branches into three wings. Each of these wings extends into the landscape, minimizing the overall building volume. Upon arrival at the main entrance, a large open glass entrance signalling a modern and transparent company greets visitors. The facades have a simple, modern expression, with light materials, horizontal bands of windows creating a calm, unified composition. The high gable ends of the building offer a simple and easily recognizable motif, while the soft curving plan geometry communicates with the landscape and adds a modern twist to the more traditional design language. A sedum roof, robust bricks and a welcoming appearance signal a modern and humane company in balance with nature.

Contact:
Søren Mølbak
+ 45 2720 0591
sm@plh.dk

DLG Headquarters, Fredericia

"PLH Arkitekter has created an exciting project inspired by our history and background in agriculture – a project that also tells the story of a modern company that will be here for many years to come. Moreover, PLH Arkitekter has come up with a solution that takes full advantage of the amazing location close to the strait of Lillebælt"

- Lars Sørensen, CFO, The DLG Group.

A recreational experience path
The building is naturally integrated into the landscape surrounding the Little Belt straits with its fields, forests, large green areas, beautiful trees, curved paths and roads. The building follows the sloping terrain and is placed at the highpoint of the site for the best possible views. The surrounding landscape and terrain reveal the story of Danish agriculture. To the eastern side of the building, there is the opportunity to create a recreational experience path, which could circulate around the site and run all the way to The Little Belt. The DLG employees could use the trail for ‘walk and talks’ or for showing the area to visitors. A scenic garden could be constructed along the trail with a variety of Danish tree types, fruit trees and other vegetation. A greenhouse for outdoor meetings, could offer workers the opportunity to work within the landscape, and an accompanying ‘fitness trail’ may offer employees a chance to workout in nature. The trail ends at the waters of the Little Belt, where a bathing pier invites employees to kayak and swim.

"We have designed a new headquarters building that underlines the identity of DLG as a trustworthy, ambitious and value-creating agribusiness company in balance with nature. The DLG Group is a very interesting customer with a great history and the project reinforces the values and very best qualities of DLG"

- CEO and Partner at PLH Arkitekter, Søren Mølbak.

Daylight and views for everyone
The narrow wings of the building ensure optimal daylighting and generous views from all workstations. From the ground floor there are several ways to exit to outdoor areas, with terraces positioned alongside the meeting centre and canteen. At the center of the building, a wide atrium connects all levels, thereby underlining the experience of being in a unified company. The atrium is the natural axis for flow and activities connecting all floors to social areas, including cafés, breakout spaces and informal meeting spots. This flexible framework for efficient and innovative work processes encourages interaction, knowledge-sharing and cooperation across of floors and departments.

Architecture and surroundings underline the identity of DLG
The design of DLG’s new headquarters reflects the company identity and a wish to gather the whole of DLG as a single organism – a single company. The building and its surroundings create a solid platform for a dynamic and innovative company that supports a clean food production. Outwardly, the architecture expresses openness, while the interior design offers excellent working conditions and encourages collaboration. The design language and choice of solid materials signal honesty, robustness and express the long history of the company and its status in the agricultural sector.

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