Svanurinn
- hjordis15
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
In Gladsaxe, Denmark, the Swan (Dk. Svanen) building stands as a model of how far circular you can take circularity in the construction sector. Designed by Lendager, the building is the first Nordic Ecolabel certified preschool building in the world and is a great example of how far reuse and recycling can go. By using and recycled materials from the old Gladsaxe school, construction waste was reduced by 66% and 1.8 tons of CO₂ were prevented.
The project began with a detailed material mapping before demolition. During the demolition, building materials were carefully classified, recorded and prepared for reuse. Bricks, roof tiles, cladding, crushed concrete, steelwork, wooden rafters and other structural elements were given new roles in the preschool. This approach reduced the need for new materials while maintaining the aesthetic and cultural value of the older building.
What makes the Swan building special is the way in which historic building materials are incorporated into a modern design. Steel cladding from the 1960s, wooden rafters and recycled roof tiles not only serve as building materials, but also carry the history of the old school. At the heart of the building is a sunroom where the clock from the old school grounds chimes, and the old observatory has been converted into a playroom.
The project is the result of close collaboration between all parties, including the municipality of Gladsaxe, the building owners, the contractor and the project consultants. The project was certified by the Nordic Ecolabel and has been recognized by the Danish Construction Association (DI Byggeri) as a model project in circular thinking.
Many lessons can be learned from he project, such as:
Material mapping and plans for reuse can uncover valuable reuse opportunities.
Collaboration between all parties, from municipalities to contractors and consultants, is key to aligning environmental goals and implementation.
Circular solutions are possible on a larger scale.
Read more about the Swan on these webpages;
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