Renovation preserves identity of PFA Pension building

The Danish insurance company PFA Pension’s headquarters in the Nordhavnen district in Copenhagen has undergone extensive renovation. The former industrial port area is being redeveloped as a vibrant new urban district, and the building – known as Marina Park – has now been opened up more towards its surroundings.

Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen

The distinctive PFA Pension building with its red tiles has been given a new lease of life following extensive renovation of both the interiors and exteriors of the building. However, the work on the indoor climate, the working environment and the interior design has resulted in the biggest changes. Connectivity within the complex has been improved by adding new walkways. Previously, part of the former car park has been turned into a new open lower floor with a new main entrance and meeting centre. From here, there is access to a new auditorium and a gym, which both feature white Troldtekt ceilings and panoramic windows.

Improved indoor climate

The ground floor now has a new kitchen with a new canteen on the first floor – previously, both were at the top of the building. Troldtekt panels have also been installed in the canteen, ensuring superior acoustics in the large rooms. In the past, the canteen and gym were located at the top of the building, which is now occupied by offices and spacious meeting rooms under the sloping roof and with spectacular views of Nordhavnen. Here too, Troldtekt acoustic panels have been used like in many of the office areas. The pleasant indoor climate is particularly apparent up here, with improved ventilation, new windows (with narrower frames) as well as optimised sunscreening and lighting. The superior acoustics obviously contribute to a good working environment. The renovation of the large building has taken a long time, but it has now achieved DGNB Silver certification.

The changes have involved the installation of ventilation equipment on the roof, but have also included new structures on the ground floor between the pillars, which has resulted in a more welcoming feel.