With the rural village as an archetype, we’re creating a city where biodiversity and active recreation define a sustainable pact between people and nature.
– Signe Kongebro

Henning Larsen Architects have been chosen to create an all-timber neighbourhood just outside the city centre of Copenhagen, Denmark, with nature deeply integrated and built with active lifestyles in mind.

Fælledby will transform a former dumping ground and has been designed to accommodate 7,000 residents.

In addition to providing a model for how new developments can combine sustainable architecture and environmentalist principles, it is hoped that the design will foster a close-knit community and an intimate connection to nature for residents.

Around 40 per cent of the 18ha (44ac) district will be left undeveloped for nature to thrive and buildings will have birdhouses and animal habitats integrated into their structures.

Locally-sourced timber was chosen as the construction material as the most sustainable of the options available, but also to help integrate the development with nature.

A minimum of 25 per cent of the homes will be designated public housing, with housing also specifically designed for seniors, students, and young families.

There will also be a range of commercial amenities in the neighbourhood, such as small local businesses, grocery stores, restaurants and community venues.

Signe Kongebro, partner at Henning Larsen, said: “Deciding to build in the natural landscape around Fælledby comes with a commitment to balance people with nature. Specifically, this means that our new district will Copenhagen’s first built fully in wood, and incorporating natural habitats that encourage richer growth for plants and animals.

"With the rural village as an archetype, we’re creating a city where biodiversity and active recreation define a sustainable pact between people and nature.”

The project is pending planning approval, but work is expected to begin in late 2020 or early 2021.