bjarke ingels group has completed a residential building in copenhagen that provides accommodation for low-income citizens. named after its address in the northwestern part of the danish city, ?dortheavej? winds through an area characterized by car repair shops and other industrial buildings from the mid 20th century. the timber-clad five-storey structure contains a total of 66 generously proportioned homes with 3.5-meter-high ceilings (11.5 ft) and outdoor terraces.

all images by rasmus hjortshøj
 
 
BIG was commissioned for the project by lejerbo, a non-profit affordable housing association. the brief called for the creation of much needed affordable housing and public space, while keeping the site?s existing pedestrian passageways open and the adjacent green yard untouched. conceived as a porous wall, the building gently curves at its center, creating space for a public plaza on the south side and an intimate green courtyard to the north. at street level, the building opens up to allow both residents and the general public to pass into the courtyard.
the building provides accommodation for low-income citizens
 
 
the height of the building matches the scale of the surrounding neighborhood, with the stacked nature of the design creating space for the small outdoor terraces to the south. long wooden planks cover the façade on all sides, accentuating the checkered pattern. internally, large floor-to-ceiling windows ensure daylight and views ? qualities that define...