From industrial building to office space

At the Port of Odense, a process is taking place whereby former industrial buildings are gradually converted into office space and given a new life. It is a demanding transformation, but one which is resulting in exceptional premises.

Property development company Olav de Linde, which has properties in both Aarhus and Odense, is known for its work with older buildings. Where others would demolish the building, the company sees potential in the historical setting and seeks to ensure a site’s narrative.

In Odense, the former mill is now home to a number of companies with utterly unique office space. No two floors are the same, and throughout the interiors, you will find architectural details and remnants of the original structure and its function.

Replacing one function with another under the same roof lends the place a special identity that is difficult to create in a new build. Here, from Møllekajen, the view of the waterfront and the city is an added feature, and the large windows also provide the offices with plenty of natural light.

Patina and precision

The raw industrial building has been meticulously made habitable with sturdy oak floors, well-built stairwells, glass walls and white-painted Troldtekt acoustic panels in sections on the ceilings. It is evident that the Troldtekt ceilings do not belong to the original building, but have been added as precise surfaces that promote improved acoustics. The white colour of the ceilings serves as an appealing contrast to the concrete-grey walls.

Olav de Linde has also added an additional penthouse floor to continue the use of functional architecture. As for the exterior, the classic white-painted building stands in sharp contrast to the otherwise run-down area. In addition to the penthouse and solar protection, round windows have been added to the north-facing façade, a nod to the white Bauhaus style.