Last week, we published the winners of the 2011 RIBA Awards, as well as the RIBA International Awards, presented by the Royal Institute of British Architects for architectural excellence in the UK and abroad. The 3XN-designed Middelfart Savings Bank in Denmark was one of the eight buildings honored in the European Union award category. The building had previously been awarded the MIPIM/Architectural Review Future Projects Award in 2006 and IIDA Global Excellence Awards 2010, Honorable Mention.

Project Description from the Architects:

Middelfart Savings Bank is a key institution in the town of Middelfart, located by the Lillebælt waters on the island of Funen, Denmark. Thus the Savings Bank wanted their new Head Office to provide a new public space for the local citizens as well as an architectural icon for the town and the Savings Bank.



The building is characterized by a dramatic roofscape accommodating multiple functions. 83 prism-like skylights compose the spectacular roof surface defining the geometry of the building – in reference to the maritime environment as well as the surrounding timber framed buildings. Thus, the new Head Office gently reflects and interacts with the dimensions, scales, roofs and cornice lines of the old town.

Photo: Morten K. Stoltz

Photo: Adam Mørk

Photo: Adam Mørk

Photo: Adam Mørk

The roof is specially designed to frame a perfect view towards the water while at the same time shading from direct sunlight; thereby demonstrating a perfect synergy between design and function.



A bookshop, a café, a real estate agent and the cash desk are placed around a central plaza, resulting in the building forming an informal public meeting space at the ground floor level. The Savings Bank work stations are located on three open terraces internally connected by broad staircases encouraging interaction and informal meetings or breaks. All plateaus are endowed with plenty of daylight and an unhindered view to the water.



The working environment is further improved by sustainable features such as natural ventilation and the latest technologies in energy efficient heating and cooling. Thermo active concrete elements facilitate energy savings of 30-50 percent.

Photo: Adam Mørk

Photo: Adam Mørk

Photo: Adam Mørk

Photo: Adam Mørk

Photo: Adam Mørk

Project Details:

Address: Havnegade 21, DK-5500 Middelfart

Client: Trekantens Ejendomsselskab A/S

Area: 5,000 m2



3XN Team: Kim Herforth Nielsen, Jens Henrik S. Birkmose, Rasmus Kruse, Helge Skovsted, Flemming Tanghus, Jan Ammundsen, Tommy Bruun, Morten Mygind, Peder Kragelund, Klaus Mikkelsen, Tommy Ladegaard, Lars Povlsen, Jørgen Søndermark, Rikke Zachariasen, Heidi Daggry, Johanne Holmsberg, Stefan Nors

Engineer: COWI



Landscape Architect: Schønherr KS



Awards: MIPIM/Architectural Review Future Projects Award 2006; IIDA Global Excellence Awards 2010, Honorable Mention; Royal Institute of British Architect's (RIBA) European Award 2011

Find many more photos of Middelfahrt Savings Bank in the image gallery below.