At the heart of Copenhagen’s redeveloped Nordhavn district, Danish architect COBE, along with clients Klaus Kastbjerg and NRE Denmark, has completed a remarkable transformation of a former industrial grain silo. Originally used for grain storage, this 17-story silo has been converted into a modern residential building featuring 38 unique apartments, ranging from 106 to 401 square meters. The building also incorporates public spaces for activities and dining on its upper and lower levels.
The silo is part of Nordhavn’s extensive post-industrial redevelopment, transforming the area into a vibrant urban neighborhood. The project, led by COBE in partnership with Klaus Kastbjerg and NRE Denmark, reimagines the largest industrial building in the area—a 17-story grain silo—into a mixed-use facility combining residential apartments with public amenities.
Transformation from the Inside Out
To meet modern standards, the silo’s industrial concrete facade was carefully renovated. The exterior was reclad with angled, multi-faceted galvanized steel panels serving as climate barriers, preserving the building’s distinctive slender and tall silhouette. Inside, much of the original structure remains intact, maintaining the silo’s historic character.
Dan Stubbergaard, COBE’s founder and creative director, explained, “Our intention was to preserve the spirit of the silo as much as possible—both its iconic exterior and the majestic concrete interior—simply refreshing it with a new layer. This transformation highlights the building’s structural features and its heritage, connecting the new residents with the surrounding urban environment. The galvanized steel facade echoes the original port aesthetics and raw materiality, bringing a rugged, industrial beauty that honors the silo’s past.”
38 Unique Apartments
The silo’s interior layout reflects its history of grain storage and processing, resulting in a variety of apartment styles. There are 38 distinct units, including single and multi-story apartments, with sizes ranging from 106 to 401 square meters and ceiling heights reaching up to 7 meters. Each residence features panoramic French windows and balconies. Some interiors retain exposed concrete surfaces, while window frames are discreetly set behind the existing concrete walls, offering expansive views of the city skyline and the Øresund coast.
A Blend of Private and Public Spaces
The building’s top and bottom floors are accessible to the public. The top level features a mirrored glass box housing a restaurant that offers 360-degree views of Copenhagen and the sea. By day, the glass facade reflects its surroundings; by night, it glows like a lantern. The ground floor is designed as a flexible space for various activities.
Dan Stubbergaard commented, “By combining private residences with public functions, the building remains vibrant throughout the day. The public areas at the top and bottom offer a rich, multidimensional experience for all visitors. The panoramic views from the top are truly unique and accessible to everyone in Copenhagen. The silo is not only a place to live but also a destination—an urban focal point within Nordhavn’s new development.”
He added, “Revitalizing our industrial heritage reveals new potential and highlights the historical layers of the city. These structures are valuable assets—they embody our history. By reimagining what many see as industrial waste, we transform them into treasures.”
The Silo project was completed in May 2017, with the first residents moving in shortly after. Remaining occupants are expected to move in over the following months, and the rooftop restaurant is scheduled to open later this year. Additionally, CPH City & Port Development hosts an exhibition on Nordhavn’s future plans on the ground floor, also designed by COBE.
Technical Drawings
Project Information
Clients: Klaus Kastbjerg and NRE Denmark
Architect: COBE
Landscape Designer: COBE
Engineers: Balslev and Wessberg
Contractor: NRE Denmark
Year Built: 2017
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