Located in Aarhus, the Lighthouse by 3XN, in collaboration with UN Studio, Gehl Architects, Grontmij, and Schønherr Landskabsarkitekter stands at 142 meters and integrates modern architectural aesthetics with functionality, offering both high-rise apartments and terraced houses.
Its design is inspired by the surrounding sea and nature, with a façade that reflects the interplay of light and water.
The structure includes a sunlit promenade with cafes, shops, and public leisure spaces to foster community interaction.
The aim of Lighthouse was to create an attractive and diverse urban area on the harbor-front in Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city.
For its sustainable design and innovative energy-efficient systems, the project has been awarded a 2024 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Openness, vividness, and multiplicity characterize Lighthouse which is a mix of a high-rise structure with small groups of terraced houses to imbue a smaller community ambiance and provide natural safety.
The tower is currently Denmark’s tallest completed high-rise standing at 144 meters and 45 floors.
A rooftop restaurant affords public access to the beautiful panoramic views over the city and the Bay of Aarhus.
Adding a sunlit seaside promenade with cafés, shops, and a large square, the master plan emphasizes the interaction of private, semi-public and public areas.
The development is situated at the outermost part of Aarhus Harbor, and consists of private as well as social housing facilities together.
In order to ensure green and quiet walkways between the buildings, motorists are to park in an underground parking facility leaving the area to the residents, and to guest pedestrians and cyclists.
In the research and analysis phase the architects conducted thorough studies of the societal development, cultural trends and living conditions as well as of the location context and considerations of wind and weather conditions.
The basic idea of the design was to provide all the residences with a sunny south face and a north view.
The façade structure without rear sides appears homogeneous and individual at the same time.
The characteristic façade pattern is inspired by the reflections of light in water.
Project: Lighthouse
Architects: 3XN A/S
Lead Architect: Kim Herforth Nielsen
Associate Architects: UN Studio, Gehl Architects ApS and Grontmij A/S
Landscape Architects: Schønherr Landskabsarkitekter A/S
Engineers: Rambøll Danmark A/S
Contractor: Per Aarsleff A/S
Clients: Domis ApS., Municipality of Aarhus, Keops Development, K/S
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects
