Apartment complex
The Wave in Vejle,
designed by Henning Larsen Architects
Rising above the fjord in the port city of Vejle is The Wave apartment complex, the work of Danish studio Henning Larsen. Completed in 2018 after twelve years of construction, marked by interruptions due to the global financial crisis, the project gained international recognition even before its finalization, winning awards for its innovative form and harmony with its surroundings. The buildings' undulating volumes, evocative of the seascape, have made The Wave an icon of contemporary Scandinavian architecture.
The Wave apartment complex in Vejle, Denmark - the side elevations of the towers are smooth and vertical, dominated by large-format glazing
Photo by Jacob Due © Henning Larsen
Waves over the fjord: the genesis of The Wave
In 2006, construction of a 14,000-square-meter residential complex comprising five nine-story towers for 100 apartments began in Vejle, a city with a deep-rooted port tradition. The first two towers quickly began to shape the city's skyline, but the global financial crisis in 2008 halted work for nearly seven years. Construction resumed in 2015, and the project was completed in November 2018, two years after the death of Henning Larsen, the studio's founder.
The Wave apartment complex in Vejle, Denmark - the reflections of the blocks in the calm surface of the fjord enhance the visual harmony of the complex
Photo: Jacob Due © Henning Larsen
Already underway, The Wave has attracted attention from the international architectural community. In 2012, the project was awarded the ABB LEAF for innovation, and a year later it received the prestigious Civic Trust Award - the first such honor for a Danish architect in more than half a century. These achievements underscore the importance of the project, which, even in its unfinished form, has gone down as an example of a bold approach to residential architecture.
The Wave apartment complex in Vejle, Denmark - front elevation drawing
© Henning Larsen
architecture in motion: form and function
The Wave is distinguished by its nature-inspired form, in which the building blocks resemble sea waves. The five towers, each in the form of an elongated cuboid, have undergone a fluid deformation, creating distinctive sinuous roof arches. They rise in the central part of each segment to fall gently towards the extremities, giving the buildings a dynamic and organic character, consistent with the fjord landscape.
The Wave is a project that has enlivened the urban space of Vejle
photo by Jacob Due © Henning Larsen
The side elevations of the towers are smooth and vertical, dominated by large-format glazing extending from ground level to the roof. The windows, set back from the facade, create a layered effect, accentuating the rhythmic division of the facades. An exterior cladding of white terracotta panels forms a continuous, undulating surface, acting as an eave over the glazing and ensuring aesthetic consistency. Balconies are fitted with privacy screens that enhance the texture of the facade.
The Wave is distinguished by its nature-inspired form, in which the building masses resemble sea waves
Photo: Jacob Due © Henning Larsen
Landscape in dialogue: the identity of Vejle
The location of The Wave on the Vejle fjord amplifies its impact, drawing inspiration from the unique hilly landscape, rare in Denmark.
We designed The Wave as a distinctive new element of the Vejle skyline, reflecting the character of its surroundings
- explains Søren Øllgaard,
Partner and Design Director at Henning Larsen.
The reflections of the blocks in the calm surface of the fjord enhance the visual harmony of the complex. The design is enhanced by a public pier and promenade with stairs on the eastern side, which promote the integration of residents and visitors. These public spaces make The Wave not only a place to live, but also an important part of Vejle's social life.
Above the fjord in the port city of Vejle rises The Wave apartment complex, the work of Danish studio Henning Larsen
Photo: Jacob Due © Henning Larsen
space with a view: interiors and promenade
The interiors of the apartments were designed with the qualities of the location in mind. Large expanses of glass provide an abundance of light and panoramic views of the fjord, while wood floors seamlessly blend with balconies, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. Each apartment combines comfort, functionality and aesthetic integrity with the buildings' exterior form.
An integral part of the project is a promenade along the waterfront, serving a recreational and social role. Its open character encourages walking and relaxation, while subtle terracing harmonizes the land space with the water.
The Wave apartment complex in Vejle, Denmark - site plan.
© Henning Larsen
A waterfront icon: the significance of The Wave
More than an architectural achievement, The Wave is a project that has revitalized Vejle's urban space. The completion of the complex in 2018 marked the culmination of a years-long process, marked by challenges but culminating in the realization of a bold vision. The complex has transformed the waterfront into a dynamic public and residential space, with the pier and promenade fostering social activities. The distinctive massing has become a new landmark of the city.
The five towers, each in the form of an elongated cuboid, have undergone a fluid deformation, creating distinctive sinuous roof arches
photo by Jacob Due © Henning Larsen
From a broader perspective, The Wave fits into the trend of contemporary architecture, striving for a balance between form, function and local context. Organic shapes, modern materials and integration with the landscape make the project an inspiration for architects around the world. ABB's LEAF and Civic Trust Awards confirm its international significance, extending beyond the borders of Denmark.
The Wave apartment complex in Vejle, Denmark - the towers are connected in a continuous wavy line along the shoreline
photo by Jacob Due © Henning Larsen
from vision to realization
The Wave in Vejle is a work that combines innovation with respect for local heritage. The wavy masses, inspired by the seascape, harmonize with the hills and the fjord, enriching the city's skyline. The Henning Larsen studio has created a complex that not only offers residential space, but also revitalizes the waterfront, fostering social integration. The Wave is a testament to how architecture can weave modernity with the identity of a place, remaining an enduring part of Vejle's landscape and culture.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects.
