Build Architecture Awards 2016

2016 Architecture Awards Build 91 Company: NOVA5 architects a/s Name: NOVA5 Architects Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.nova5.dk Address: Æbeløgade 4, 2nd floor, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø Telephone: +45 3393 0880 OVA5 architects design public and private housing, adapted to the ever-changing needs of society, including buildings for education, sports and culture. Jennifer talks us through how the firm approaches every new project. “The two main core areas of NOVA5 are buildings for living and learning. Since establishing the company, we have had a steady flow of incoming commissions, partly due to clear concepts and satisfied clients, and mainly due to our twenty employees half of whom are women and half men, who are very skilled and participate in continuing professional development. “For every new project, we always acquaint ourselves with the physical con- text and all the social and economic circumstances surrounding the project. In the early phases, we involve the client and the users - or actually, we let ourselves get involved in their wishes and needs. Ultimately, we are able to develop a concept, which adds value and surprising solutions, that they had never imagined themselves. “One of our absolute core focuses is durability. NOVA5 has several in-house DGNB certified consultants, who follow all our projects from day one. Fur- thermore, we have been involved in pilot projects e.g. concerning energy op- timization in connection to building renewals. In our new building, we always incorporate or develop sustainable solutions. Currently, we are conducting a new family housing with 32 dwellings, based on the Nordic Built Charter’s 10 sustainable principles.” Looking to the future, Jennifer outlines the firm’s future focuses and dedica- tion to excellence. “Here at NOVA5, we are very selective about the projects we take on. As a creative practice, we cultivate innovation. Above all, we are very aware of - and humble to - the fact, that architecture matters and that we architects can make a difference. Historically speaking, Denmark has long been a well-functioning welfare state, and the main concern of NOVA5 is to balance the softer Danish values with sensible solutions. Right now, we are especially proud of being involved in a housing project for refugees as well as a shelter for young homeless people in Copenhagen. Another exciting project is ‘Sport City’, a 2400 m2 extension to an existing high school and its sport facilities, which will result in a large contemporary complex for physical education and leisure activity. “Over the past year we have founded an interdisciplinary cooperation in England supported by the Danish Foreign Ministry. “Community Plus” is estab- lished to share Danish know-how on transformation of social housing, and en- tering a new market in a new country and building a new professional network is our absolutely among the most interesting challenge in the near future.” NOVA5 Transformation Architects of the Year 2016 - Denmark & Best Nordic Sustainable Transformation Project: Vibenshus School NOVA5 architects is a Copenhagen based practice established in 1994 with a London branch since 2015. We invited Jennifer Dahm Petersen, head of communications, to tell us more. N AR160069