According to VELUX, the Living Places Copenhagen project won the prestigious New European Bauhaus award in the category of affordable housing. The prize highlights projects that combine sustainability, aesthetics, and affordability, showing how modern approaches to construction can transform communities and reduce environmental impact.
The Living Places concept was created by VELUX in collaboration with architects EFFEKT, engineers Artelia, and contractors Enemærke & Petersen. It demonstrates that it is possible to build homes with an ultra-low carbon footprint, a healthy indoor climate, and no additional costs by using existing technologies. CO₂ emissions of such homes are only 3.85 kg/m² per year – nearly three times lower than those of an average new Danish house.
Living Places follows five principles – healthy environment, adaptability, simplicity, long-term use, and scalability. The homes are built with modular elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled, extending their lifespan and facilitating the reuse of materials. The project also applied Life Cycle Assessment, covering everything from material selection and construction to the end of use.
This approach is already being applied in different countries. For example, the first Living Places Netherlands – SMÛK House – has been opened, and in Ukraine, the construction of three residential clusters, Children’s Living Places, is planned for 2025 for children who lost their homes due to the war. Each cluster will include houses for foster families, a social centre, and a space for shared activities. More details can be found in the news item “Eco-housing for foster children finds its first location in Ukraine.”