3XN and SLA have jointly designed the new Klimatorium center for climate studies. On December 9, 2020, the innovative climate center in Lemvig, on the west coast of Denmark, was completed. The center combines the rational architecture of 3XN with flood protection measures designed by SLA.

The aesthetic composition of the building was inspired by the traditional boats of Lemvig, making the project a tribute to the local history and culture. The symbol of the building is a wooden wave, which rises above the main entrance and makes the Klimatorium a highly recognizable landmark. The main construction materials used were wood, concrete, and steel.

“A key element of the design process was to create a building that’s both inviting and has clear references to its function and its location in the port of Lemvig, “ says Jan Ammundsen, architect and senior partner at 3XN. “The tiled wooden wave gives the building a strong identity. Both inside and out, it’s a meeting place for the Klimatorium’s employees and visitors, as well as for the people of Lemvig itself.”

The use of wood, glass, and concrete has given the building a distinctive contemporary appearance. The Klimatorium occupies two levels, with its proportions reflecting a need to integrate with the existing buildings in the port area. The first floor is surrounded by black timber slats, which give the building a simple look while providing sunshading.

Inside are offices, meeting rooms, common areas, an exhibition space, and a cafeteria that’s also open to the public. A very important part of the project is the Green Climate Corridor, that is, the design of the external landscape as a green urban space serving the entire community.

“We used the Climate Corridor to demonstrate the possibilities of nature-based design to make our cities more responsive to their climate, while adding a new level of natural experiences and activities,” says Karsten Thorlund, head of SLA Aarhus and project manager. “The area features native species that thrive in salty coastal environments. The trees were planted as windbreaks, to optimize the microclimate, and to provide space for a range of activities, such as a water playground, a parkour area, and a multipurpose sports field for roller skating, ball games, and other activities. The flood protection measures are fully integrated into the urban space, so that they don’t separate the sea from the city but, on the contrary, strengthen its links to the water. This was done using a multifunctional and fully accessible wooden pontoon, which provides a recreation area and events space, and is integrated into the rocky environment, where children can climb and play, and get right up close to the sea.”