WoodHub, a pioneering office building designed by C.F. Møller Architects, has been awarded the prestigious Low Emission Timber Building of the Year 2024. Located in Odense, the 31,000 m² mass timber construction unites around 1,600 employees across eight government agencies and represents a landmark in sustainable, large-scale office architecture in Denmark.
© C.F. Møller
The project is a collaboration between C.F. Møller Architects, NCC, Artelia, and the Danish Building and Property Agency. It utilises exposed glulam columns and partially exposed CLT (cross-laminated timber) slab structures as its load-bearing elements, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Over a 50-year lifespan, WoodHub is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 5,400 tonnes.
Thue Borgen Hasløv, partner and architect at C.F. Møller Architects, commented:
'It has been a privilege to realise WoodHub in close collaboration with talented and ambitious partners. The award for Low Emission Timber Building of the Year is a great recognition of our collective effort to push the boundaries of what is possible with large-scale timber construction, architecturally, technically and in terms of climate performance.'
The building's façade features recycled aluminium cladding in reddish-brown hues, harmonising with neighbouring brick architecture and creating a refined, honest expression. Internally, WoodHub's design promotes flexibility and collaboration, with two offset "C"-shaped wings of varying heights converging in a central seven-storey wing. This central section houses shared meeting spaces intended to foster knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Public accessibility is integral to the project, with a conference centre, canteen, citizen services, and an inviting inner courtyard that supports urban life. The structure's stepped form respects the surrounding urban fabric while maximising natural daylight and enhancing indoor climate conditions. Rooftop terraces, elevated courtyards, and publicly accessible green areas provide recreational spaces and contribute to local biodiversity.
The award, presented by the association Træ i Byggeriet (Timber in Construction), recognises projects that demonstrate ambitious use of timber, a low environmental footprint, and inspirational design. Since 2022, this accolade has highlighted exemplary timber constructions that push the industry forward.
Lauritz Rasmussen, Secretary General of Træ i Byggeriet, stated:
'WoodHub is an outstanding example of how timber can replace traditional materials like steel and concrete at scale. As Denmark's largest timber building to date, the project shows how structural glulam columns, CLT slabs and timber cassettes with pre-installed windows not only reduce the climate footprint, but also open up entirely new possibilities in contemporary construction.'
WoodHub exemplifies the future of sustainable office architecture by combining innovative timber construction with functional, human-centred design. It stands as a beacon for climate-conscious building practices, inspiring the industry to rethink materials and methods at scale.
© C.F. Møller
More information:
C.F. Møller Architects
psr@cfmoller.com
www.cfmoller.com