BIG Designs Dymak's Headquarters as a Living Material Catalog in Denmark
BIG's design for Dymak's headquarters in Odense, Denmark, reimagines the conventional office space, transforming it into a dynamic, full-scale showcase of building materials. This 2,800-square-meter structure is strategically situated between an industrial area and the natural beauty of Glisholm Lake's wetlands. Its innovative circular layout incorporates a lush central courtyard, which floods the interiors with daylight, seamlessly blends the natural landscape with the workspace, and provides shared spaces that enhance daily interactions.
The architectural firm has meticulously woven a variety of finishes, typically displayed as individual samples in showrooms, directly into the building's fabric. Materials such as mass timber, clay, cork, eelgrass, and ceilings crafted from recycled paper fibers are integral to the working environment. This approach allows both staff and visitors to experience these elements on a grand scale, moving beyond mere observation to active engagement within rooms, workstations, and common areas, thereby evolving the concept of a static catalog into an immersive, living exhibition.
The circular footprint of the building enables BIG's architects to arrange the offices around a protected green courtyard, ensuring that nearly every workspace benefits from views of this central, planted atrium. The brick flooring extends from the interior out into the courtyard, where expansive seating and indigenous flora create an amphitheater-like setting suitable for informal meetings and daily gatherings. The structure's undulating roof is designed with both aesthetic and functional performance in mind; it ascends to the north to capture panoramic views of the surrounding woodland, while descending to the south to mitigate solar gain, enhance internal comfort, and shield the building from traffic noise. This distinctive, folded geometry also optimizes the surface for approximately 880 custom-shaped photovoltaic panels, seamlessly integrating renewable energy generation into the architectural design. Along the facade, a timber and glass grid system expertly filters natural light, with vertical fins becoming denser on the southern side and more open to the north, effectively framing views and regulating thermal performance. Outside, BIG's landscape team has designed planted basins and open drainage channels to manage and retain rainwater, further harmonizing the building with its natural surroundings.
This innovative project showcases how thoughtful design and material integration can create an inspiring and sustainable workplace. The Dymak headquarters exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to commercial architecture, where every element contributes to a holistic and enriching experience, fostering productivity and well-being within a naturally integrated setting.