EFFEKT

Living Places Copenhagen is featured as a leading example in the newly published white paper by the Expert Group for National Architecture Policy, appointed by the Danish Minister of Culture. The project showcases how we can rethink housing from the ground up — proving that it’s possible to build homes that are healthy, affordable, simple, adaptable and scalable. More than just a concept, Living Places demonstrates a real, tangible alternative for the future of housing — one that sets new standards for CO2 emissions, indoor climate, community, and design. The white paper is filled with insights, models, and recommendations and aims is to spark conversation around the role and value of architecture in our society. It presents eight core principles for the architecture of the future – with a strong emphasis on reuse and transformation, integrating nature within and around cities, and prioritizing quality and collaboration in the development of urban environments and diverse housing models. Read the full white paper here: https://lnkd.in/d5EiEw2J The project was conceived and developed in a partnership between VELUX, EFFEKT and Artelia Denmark and built by Enemærke & Petersen a/s. Images: Adam Mørk and Lasse Bak Mejlvang

It was a real pleasure to take part in Lunch with an Architect — a forum that brings together the architectural and real estate communities to advance quality and innovation in the built environment in Brussels and beyond. Tue Hesselberg Foged, Co-founder and Creative Director of EFFEKT, was invited to join the lineup and share how we bridge research and design, bring nature and community closer, and collaborate for change with the aim of accelerating the green transition of the building industry. With projects that aim to reconnect people with nature through design at every scale, our approach is rooted in a systemic and holistic approach. It was inspiring to exchange ideas with the Belgian architecture community and be part of a program that has featured pioneers like KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES, Shigeru Ban Architects, and Dorte Mandrup. Thanks to Lunch with an Architect and Flagey for the kind invitation and for facilitating such important conversations. And thank you to the engaged and generous Belgian community — it was a pleasure to share our work and learn from yours.

A heartfelt thank you to the Icelandic design community and to HönnunarMars // DesignMarch – Iceland’s design and architecture festival – for the invitation to take part in inspiring and important conversations about how we can design with "Nature as a destination" and reduce environmental impact of the construction industry.   It was a true pleasure to share our work and thoughts, the learnings from Reduction Roadmap and exchange ideas with this brilliant group of panelists and speakers: Harpa Birgisdóttir, Professor of Sustainability of Buildings. Head of Division, BUILD Aalborg University Elín Þórólfsdóttir, Architect, Sustainability Expert Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education Borghildur Sturludóttir, Architect and Department Head at City Planning in Reykjavik Municipality Arnhildur Palmadottir, Architect and Iceland's representative in the Venice Biennale in Architecture Sigríður Ósk Bjarnadóttir, PhD, Engineer og CEO of the Environment and Quality Department at Hornsteinar Andri Snær Magnason, Writer and Environmentalist A big thank you as well to the Architects Association of Iceland for the kind invitation and to Kristján Örn Kjartansson for a wonderful time!

At EFFEKT, 30% of our built projects are transformations. With over a decade of experience, architect and project lead Gitte Juul Sørensen specializes in unlocking the hidden potential of existing buildings, ensuring they remain relevant for generations to come. "Transformation is an opportunity to honour the past while shaping the future. Rather than replacing, we optimize—working within a building’s original structure to create meaningful relationships between old and new, reducing carbon impact and adding long-term value." She explains. Gitte has played a key role in transformations like Amager Bio, Rosenhøj Youth Housing, and the former E/F Enghavecentret —projects that share a strong LCA profile, use of timber panels and contrasts that enhance the depth of time and place. Her recent work on Familieboliger, nominated for Renoverprisen, and Fuglebakkevej (a new build and a transformation of the existing block and courtyard), praised in Ane Cortzen’s ‘RadioTegl’ podcast, showcase thoughtful detailing, material choices and indoor-outdoor transition zones. Right now, Gitte Juul Sørensen is involved in the transformation of the former industrial hall ‘Hal 9’ into a creative hub and headquarters for Roskilde Festival Group—an ambitious project pushing the boundaries of reuse in construction. Bridging research and design, EFFEKT is also part of Genbrug på matriklen (Reuse On-Site), a research project led by Arkitektskolen Aarhus and supported by Realdania, exploring innovative ways to reclaim and repurpose materials directly on-site—from timber and bricks to steel and insulation. Photos: Rasmus Hjortshøj and Yulia Kozlova

Exciting progress is underway at Hyllegaard Høje, a visionary large-scale co-housing community in Hvalsø in Lejre Kommune. More than just a neighbourhood, Hyllegaard Høje is a reimagining of how we live, build, and connect—with each other and with nature. Just 30 minutes from Copenhagen, this cooperative community brings together homes built around shared living, permaculture farming, afforestation, and a geothermal and solar energy system that fully meets the community’s energy needs. As advisors and architects for Hyllegaard Udvikling ApS, we have helped shape: 1. An ambitious masterplan that reflects the community’s social and environmental goals. 2. A design manual that sets requirements for responsible construction – an open-source resource to inspire others in creating holistic, intentional communities. 3. Sjællandsk Muld – the first completed co-housing cluster within Hyllegaard Høje’s six-phase vision With 35 families now settling into Sjællandsk Muld, we’ve had the unique opportunity to put our design principles into practice—co-creating these homes alongside residents, Hyllegaard Høje, Almenr Byggefællesskaber and Enemærke & Petersen a/s. The architecture reflects the community’s ambitions through: - Biogenic building materials - Design for community living, featuring a range of shared spaces—from a communal house to intimate outdoor gathering areas - Vapor-permeable construction - Energy and heating self-sufficiency - Design solutions that integrate nature, including roof overhangs and split-level homes, while adapting to diverse needs and lifestyles. Photos: Ulrik Mathiasson/EFFEKT @

We've just returned from an inspiring and motivating series of workshops with GAME and our local partners in Nairobi, shaping the vision for the new GAME Street Hub Nairobi, set to be built at Ngei Primary School. This project will provide young people with safe access to sports while tackling key local challenges—enhancing safety for women, managing stormwater flooding, and increasing green spaces and sustainable energy solutions. A street sports facility in Nairobi, particularly in close proximity to the Kibera informal settlement, will be a powerful force for change. It will create an inclusive and accessible space for all—from mothers needing a place to nurse to street sports communities like skaters, parkour athletes, and dancers—while also strengthening environmental resilience. Collaborating with Kounkuey Design Initiative has been an uplifting and powerful experience. A huge thank you to their dedicated team and the passionate local volunteers, school representatives, community leaders, and sports groups who contributed their time, energy, and heart to this project—including Amani Kibera, the youth-led NGO that will run the hub. We are deeply grateful for our long-standing partnership with GAME—with special thanks to Simon Prahm for bringing this vision to life, connecting key stakeholders, and making it all happen on the ground. Thank you to our generous supporters, Denmark in Kenya & Act Change Transform, for making this possible!

Safe homes in Ukraine have become a scarce resource. For foster families, the situation is particularly fragile, as finding new housing for larger families is challenging. At the same time, the war has increased the number of children and youth in need of a foster family and a secure home. Therefore, we are especially pleased that Children’s Living Places has now found its first anchor location in Ukraine. The project, initiated by SOS Børnebyerne in partnership with SOS Children's Villages Ukraine, serves as a model and catalyst for promoting family-based care instead of institutional placements. The project will establish three clusters of homes and social centers across three regions in Ukraine, specifically designed for foster families. These homes are built according to the Living Places concept, developed by the VELUX Group, EFFEKT and Artelia. The first location has been chosen in Lviv, western Ukraine. Throughout the process, the Lviv City Council has been highly supportive, culminating in a memorandum signed in late 2024. This agreement paves the way for a lease contract for the first site in April 2025, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2025. The coalition behind Children’s Living Places includes: Villum Fonden, Viessmann Foundation, Grundfos Foundation | PDJF, Bitten & Mads Clausens Foundation, DOVISTA, FONDATION SOMFY, VELUX Ukraine, Artelia Denmark, Flügger group A/S, EIFO, and Kromann Reumert.

Reduction Roadmap receives Energiforum Danmark's Action Award 2025! "As a newly established think tank, we are incredibly grateful to receive this award. It is an important recognition of our work in translating climate science into concrete action plans for the industry and society as a whole," says Sinus Lynge, chairman and co-founder of Reduction Roadmap. The award is presented annually to initiators who have actively created holistic frameworks for the development of the built environment—economically, socially, and environmentally. "Nowhere else in the world have we seen an entire industry step forward and ask politicians for stricter climate regulations for the sector. This award is dedicated to the many investors, developers, pension funds, housing associations, architects, engineers, contractors, material manufacturers, trade unions, industry organizations, municipalities, and political parties, among others, who support and continue to work towards the goals of Reduction Roadmap," says Sinus Lynge. Chairman of Energiforum Denmark, Heine Knudsen, emphasizes the importance of engaging the entire construction industry: "If we are to succeed in this development, the entire sector must be involved so that changes don’t just happen in selected frontrunner projects but are broadly implemented across the industry". "In this major transition, no one can succeed alone—we need both support and solidarity. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!" concludes Sinus Lynge on behalf of Reduction Roadmap.

Time to celebrate the topping-out ceremony of Home.Earth Nærheden—a six-story timber building and a neighborhood powered entirely by near-surface geothermal energy, solar power, and its own waste heat. With an exceptionally low carbon footprint of just 4.7 kg CO₂/m²/year—the lowest ever recorded for a large Danish multistory building—this project sets a new benchmark. We’re proud to be part of this achievement and partnership that challenges the status quo to drive meaningful solutions to social and environmental challenges. NærHeden, Høje-Taastrup Kommune, Realdania, Sjælsø Management ApS, Tegnestuen Vandkunsten, Sweco, Scandi Byg, Byens Tømrerentreprise, Energy Machines™

It is a great honor to receive the IAUD International Design Award 2024 Gold Award. From the very beginning, the vision for Norway’s first Treetop Walkway was clear and meaningful: to celebrate nature and offer all nature lovers, regardless of age, ability or physical limitations, the sensational feeling of walking amongst the treetops. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and for the extraordinary collaboration with FYRESDAL KOMMUNE and HØGDE (Faun Naturforvaltning AS). Opened in 2023 as part of the Hamaren Activity Park in Norway, the 1 km plank boardwalk extends on pillars from the forest floor to the summit – taking all user groups on a slow and poetic walk through the forest canopy, culminating in a rush of excitement as they take in a scenic view of lake against sky at 60 meters above lake water level. The jury praised the project for its contribution to the development, delivery, and dissemination of Universal Design, stating: “A jaw-dropping, inspirational, elevated experience available to all. The Nordic mindset of inclusion is presented in practice here and could act as a benchmark study for other nations.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dE-scj6U