Iconic apartments complete after 11-year construction period

Following a troubled 11-year construction period interrupted by the global financial crisis, Henning Larsen’s The Wave apartment building in Vejle, Denmark has finally reached completion. The design for the 14,000 m2 complex consisted of 100 apartments in five consecutive wave-shaped towers. However, after work began in 2006, the global recession of 2008 put the project on hold with the completion of only two towers.
 
Even in its partial state, the first stage of The Wave drew international attention for its striking appearance. In 2009, Danish trade magazine Byggeri awarded the design Residential Building of the Year, with the jury describing the structure as “a remarkable, spectacular building meeting the great challenges of the distinctive and very demanding site. The Wave is both a spectacular building and a spectacular landmark.” This recognition was followed by an ABB LEAF Award for innovative architecture in 2012, and the Civic Trust Award in 2013.
 
Construction efforts were re-initiated in 2015, and now five iconic crests rise above Vejle Fjord. Each reaches nine storeys and offers 20 individual apartments, the largest of which are located on the top floor, each measuring 240 sq m. The Wave incorporates an open, public pier that serves to establish the structure as a social and residential hub, and an enduring presence in the revitalisation of the waterfront.

Søren Øllgaard, partner and design director at Henning Larsen, stated: “The land surrounding Vejle is unique for its rolling hills, which are an uncommon sight in Denmark. We designed The Wave as striking new presence in the Vejle skyline, one that reflects and embodies the surrounding area. We feel our design merges our own contemporary designs with a strong sense of local identity.”

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

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