At the tip of Sundmolen in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn, BIG has transformed a former parking lot into a new destination, designing not only its headquarters but also the adjacent BIG HQ Terraces and Sundkaj Park. The 1,500 m² beach park, inspired by Danish coastal landscapes, blends forest and beach to offer a public space for relaxation, play, fishing, and social activities along the harbor. The park serves as a local oasis and viewpoint where the city residents can enjoy the unique location, becoming an example of inhabitable nature.
Divided into two zones, the northern area features trees and shade-tolerant plants to shelter from wind, while the southern area opens with grass and low herbs that enhance biodiversity. Hardwood steppingstones and low concrete benches encourage interaction and exploration, while permeable surfaces support water management and ecological resilience. Additionally, a local drainage system has been established, where water is channeled and absorbed through open joints in the paving and the permeable structure, eliminating the need for drains in the cast-in-place pavement.
Plantings throughout the park have been carefully selected, including native species that withstand harsh coastal conditions while supporting local fauna and flora. These green areas are designed to be functional, providing shade and shelter while contributing to the area’s aesthetic and well-being.
Along BIG HQ’s facade and the park’s southern side, long concrete benches incorporate integrated bike parking, serving both as seating and as a place to park bicycles. Together with the smaller benches scattered across the park, these multifunctional elements create natural gathering points and reinforce the role of the site as a social hub, all while being durable enough to withstand changing weather conditions.
A 140-meter planted stair winds up BIG HQ, connecting the park to a rooftop terrace paved in local wood and offering a unique view of the city. The carefully chosen flora withstands the harsh coastal climate and requires minimal maintenance, supporting the park’s sustainability ambitions. The rooftop terrace, paved with wood from a local sawmill, extends the park’s theme of natural materials. This design creates a connection between the building and the landscape, linking the upper floors with the ground level and fostering a holistic relationship between public space and architecture.
This unique park is the only one in Copenhagen to feature marram grass and sand, making it a standout destination in the city. By combining its greenery with durable urban furniture and a focus on social interaction, the area is transformed into a dynamic space where nature and people coexist and thrive. Through promoting biodiversity and implementing sustainable solutions, the park creates a balance between urban life and nature that will evolve, becoming a gathering point for the entire city.
Project Data
Designers: BIG
BIG Landscape: Ahmed Badra, Anders Fønss, Anna Bertolazzi, Anna Lindgaard Jensen, Barbora Hrmova, Bartolomiej Lew, Christian Eugenious, Kuczynski, Dina Bræandstrup, Fernanda Furuya, Giulia Genovese, Ines Zunic, Jialin Liang, Jonathan Udemezue, Juhye Kim, Kristian Mousten, Milan Moldenhawer, Xinyi Chen
Year completed: 2023
Photo credits: The copyright information is indicated in each image filename
