Biomaterials, Transformation and Mobility: JAJA Architects 2024 Highlights
2024 is almost over, and what a year it has been for us. Our work across our three focus areas – Biomaterials, Transformation, and Mobility – has been both challenging and rewarding. Notably, our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and working with biomaterials has opened exciting new opportunities and partnerships that we look forward to developing further in 2025.
To give you an overview of the past year, we have summarised some of our key moments below.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at JAJA!
Mini CO2 House Completed and Awarded
One of our 2024 highlights was completing the MiniCO2 Multi-storey House in Wood. Shortly after, it was awarded Low-Emission Wooden Building of the Year due the project’s important contribution of new knowledge on fire and sound conditions in wooden multi-storey buildings. This new knowledge paves the way towards the implementation of pre-accepted solutions in the field.
– “The project also shows how the multi-storey buildings of the future can look if we are to build within planetary boundaries and comply with the Paris Agreement.” – The jury
– Through extensive fire and sound tests of ribbed decks with exposed wooden beams and bio-based insulation, Mini CO2 Multi-Storey House in Wood challenges current norms and enables exposed wooden structures in multi-storey residential buildings. The project has thus generated important knowledge on how to build storey decks with wood as the primary material. – The jury
The project is made in collaboration with ONV, Artelia Denmark, Blumer Lehmann , and Egil Rasmussen Koncernen for Realdania By & Byg.
Image: Claus Fisker/Realdania By & Byg
Enghave Brygge Syd Housing
Made in collaboration with Cobe, Dorte Mandrup, Tegnestuen Vandkunsten, and Sweco, we are assigned to work on a mixed-use urban waterfront, featuring +100,000 sqm of housing and commercial spaces. Developed by AP Pension, the aim is to incorporate up to 1,000 housing units, varying from large to small, with more than 25% dedicated to social housing.
Woven together with bridges, canals, and green spaces, and located near the soon-to-open metro station, this project is set to become a vibrant new addition to the Copenhagen South Harbor, offering an urban environment with accessible housing for everyone.
Bagsværd Observation Home Completed
After two years of construction, the Bagsværd Observation Home is finally ready to support a unique social programme. Built for the Royal Dentist, the historical villa has undergone both renovation and expansion. Blending historical charm with modern functionality, the new home, located by the scenic Bagsværd Lake, serves children and families needing extra support during difficult times.
We are very proud of being a part of this important project and hope it will serve as inspiration for future social programmes.
The project is made together with Bogl and ABC Engineers with Jakon as contractor.
Pathways to Biobased Construction
In 2024 we have – together with experts from Aarhus University, Copenhagen University, Aalborg University, the Royal Academy’s School of Architecture, Smith Innovation, and Artelia consulting engineers – investigated how we reach a future where biobased construction is the norm in Denmark.
Replacing conventional structures and materials with biogenic materials is estimated to contribute up to 75% of CO2 reductions, and Denmark possesses underutilized resources. The overall purpose of the project is to clarify the initiatives and actions required to push for a bio-based transition with construction as a provider of biomaterials. The project investigates scenarios for what can be grown in Denmark, how building products can be produced and how they can be used in construction and what uncertainties affect these areas in the future.
During the course of the project, we have participated in a wide range of events and presentations, including Klimafolkemødet, Building Green and dialogue meetings held by Realdania. Now we can’t wait to share the report in 2025!
Nyropsgade vision
In Nyropsgade, Copenhagen we see great potential for creating an attractive urban space that brings value to the locals and visitors. In cities like Copenhagen where space is limited, we find it necessary to rethink our urban spaces.
Our vision for Nyropsgade introduces a layered landscape, featuring ‘floating’ pavilions’ across the street’s wide central space. Elevated at first-floor height, the pavilions offer areas for children and adults to play, work out, play football, and more.
Go to the project page to find out more
JAJA to create a comprehensive mobility and urban plan for Amager
We ended 2024 on a high by winning the competition to develop a holistic and interdisciplinary mobility and urban plan for Amager, Copenhagen!
In the coming year, we will analyse the challenges and opportunities within Amager’s urban spaces, facilitate a dialogue about its future, and develop a comprehensive mobility and urban plan for the district. Our approach will particularly focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, designing spaces that integrate traffic flow, urban life, green areas, and meeting places while tackling challenges like biodiversity loss, climate adaptation, and the growing impacts of water and heat waves in future.
The project will be made together with Artelia, Bogl, and KOMMON.
Lectures and talks in Denmark and abroad
We love attending events, sharing knowledge with colleagues across the industry and learning about our role in the green transition. This year, we’ve been fortunate to participate in inspiring events both in Denmark and abroad. Highlights include our presentation on ‘Pathways to Biobased Construction’ at the Klimafolkemødet, where we were joined by economist and BLOXHUB Programme Manager Jacob Rask.
Mobility has also been on the agenda, and Jakob gave lectures at events such as HEY Hamburg with the presentation ‘the street as a resource’. You can find an interview with Jakob from the event here.
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