A ten-storey, cylinder shaped, high-rise building should add to the visibility of a new student-housing complex just next to Copenhagen Science City. The new complex consists of a whopping 161 units. This could go some way to alleviate housing challenges for the 20,000 students in the innovation district. By Jes Andersen.

Repurposed navigation school

The landmark tower, placed at the corner of Jagtvej and Lersø Park Allé, will be the most noticeable component, and is one of three newly constructed buildings, in the project. Sixty of the flats in the 161-unit project are being erected inside repurposed buildings, which used to house a nautical navigation school, explains the project leader for the new residences.

We felt that the old school buildings were suitable for conversion. Architecturally as well as structurally”: Carsten Bai, Project lead, BO-VEST.

Seasoned developers

Two major Danish players in the field of non-profit rental housing are developing the property together. Bo Vita and Bo Vest. Bo Vita was founded in 1951 and has built 5,500 homes. Bo Vest is an administrator with 15,000 units under administration. A core value for both is residential democracy.

Flats for singles, couples and disabled

All 161 flats will feature an en suite kitchenette and an ample shower bathroom. When completed, the student-housing complex will consist of a mixture of 34-37 m2 flats for 1 person where rent will average 3,135 DKK per month, 49-50 m2 flats for 2 with an average rent of 4,616 DKK and a few flats built to be accessible for disabled persons.

Renting starts in spring

The location is convenient for the new Metro station Vibenshus and for the three research and education institutions University of Copenhagen, University Hospital Rigshospitalet and University College Copenhagen. Apart from their private flats, all students will also have access to communal premises. All units in the low-rise buildings have already been rented out. Renting in the ten-storey cylinder will start in the spring of 2020.

Only for students

The flats in the project will be let only to students, and Danish law stipulates, that residents in student housing must move out no later than six months after graduation. In Copenhagen Science City some 20,000 students are enrolled in study-programmes within health, care and science.