VM / VM House

The manipulated perimeter block of the VM House is clearly defined in its four corners, but opened internally and along the sides. The vis-a-vis with neighbouring units is eliminated by pushing the slab in its center, ensuring diagonal views to the surrounding open fields.
The V-house is lifted to create a permeable block with a semi-private public court for the residences. The pedestrian landscaping flows from the street, under the V-house and into the courtyard forming a spatial unity and sense of community between the two buildings. The courtyard also accommodates a play area for the kindergarten in the base of the M-house, along with an interactive learning area beneath the V-house.
The logic of the diagonal slab utilized in the V-house is broken down in smaller portions for the M-house. In this project the typology of the Unite d’Habitation of Le Corbusier is reinterpreted and improved: the central corridors are short and receive light from both ends. The building volumes provides optimal air, light and views for all flats. All apartments have a double-height space to the north, and wide panoramic views to the south.
The VM housing project also makes use of practical sustainable planning tenants. The V & M shapes of the buildings in plan also help with the solar orientation of the building, allowing proper solar gain for heating and cross ventilation for cooling. The heavy construction system also helps minimizes heat loss.

Awards and recognition:
2006 Forum Award Best Building In Scandinavia / 2006 Copenhagen Municipality Prize / 2007 Mies Van der Rohe Award Honourable Mention / 2008 Danish Wood Award / 2010 Infosteel Award Nomination