A major housing project in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn is ready to move forward again after politicians sent it back to the drawing board earlier this year for being architecturally “too uniform.” Updated visualizations now show a revised proposal for the eastern half of Sundmolen — one that aims to address concerns from both politicians and residents.
A Rare Political Rejection
When the original local plan for Sundmolen Øst reached City Hall in June, the political message was unusually blunt: Go back and try again.
The critique centered on monotony. Facades looked too similar, rooflines were flat across the board, and the overall architecture felt like a copy-paste of recent developments in Copenhagen. Politicians instructed the Technical and Environmental Administration to “engage in dialogue with the landowner about introducing more variation.”
After months of hearings and adjustments, the revised plan is now ready for final approval.
Cobe and Sleth Rework the Architecture
The area sits between Orientbassinet to the north and Kronløbsbassinet to the south, with BIG’s debated headquarters at the tip of the pier and Cobe’s own office nearby. The architects — Cobe and Sleth — have implemented notable changes in response to the criticism.
- A mix of pitched and flat roofs, replacing several uniform rooflines with A-shaped gables.
- More dynamic facades with varied window widths and numerous French balconies.
- At least three different façade colours, or mandatory relief in the brickwork where colour variation is not applied.
- Greater contrast among rowhouses, with at least one required to feature a darker tone.
These updates are now written into the binding local plan, ensuring that the developer must implement them.
Public Hearing: Desire for Variety and More Greenery
During the public consultation, 45 citizens submitted comments echoing the politicians’ concerns.
“It should be interesting to look toward the water and the buildings when you walk along Sundmolen.”
The Østerbro Local Committee added that the earlier proposal was “too uniform” and needed more variation in both materials and building forms.
Greenery — or the lack of it — was another major theme. Many described the area as an “asphalt jungle.” In response, the updated plan includes more trees, additional planting beds, and increased facade greenery along Orientkaj.
However, the temporary green space known as “The Green Pearl” — located between Warehouse 53 and 54 — is still slated for removal despite public protests.
Building Height and Houseboat Debate
Not all criticism was accommodated. Several residents argued that the planned 24-meter-tall buildings (approximately six storeys) were too high. City officials, however, stated that the height complies with regulations and matches existing buildings in western Sundmolen.
Houseboats also sparked debate. The original plan allowed four houseboats along Sundkaj, but the developer wanted more. Many locals argued against any, stating the water should remain “free.” Officials maintained the initial compromise: four houseboats, no more.
What the New Plan Enables
The revised plan for Sundmolen Øst allows for around 31,000 square meters of new floor space, including housing, shops, and a new day-care institution.
With new architectural variations, expanded greenery, and a series of negotiated compromises, the plan returns to the political committees on 24 November for final approval.
