Recently completed Dymak Headquarters in Odense, Denmark, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), represents contemporary Scandinavian architecture through mass timber construction. The radical circular structure, supported by 44 cross-laminated timber (CLT) frames, features an undulating roof integrated with 880 photovoltaic panels.
Dymak HQ: The Timber Loop
Located in Odense, the third-largest city in Denmark and a hub for robotics and innovation, the Dymak HQ occupies a site that demands a nuanced response to both natural and industrial surroundings. Spanning 2,800 square meters, the structure integrates a design philosophy that goes beyond a conventional workplace, developing not only a corporate office but a functional ecosystem designed to accommodate the evolving needs of Dymak, a global supply chain company specializing in pottery and plant accessories.
The Dymak Headquarters is one of the primary projects of the studio’s integrated BIG LEAP, an acronym for Landscape, Engineering, Architecture, and Product Design, an approach that seeks to merge traditional boundaries between architectural disciplines. The architectural language takes the form of a closed circular geometry that acts as a protective shield, crafted around a courtyard to create an acoustic buffer.
Architectural Morphology: The Circle and Undulating Roof
The building orientation is characterized by a glass façade on the northern side, framing views of the surrounding landscape, while providing more controlled openings on the southern façade. Conceptualized as a continuous loop organization, the visual and spatial elements remain connected across departments. The program includes office spaces, showroom areas, and shared social facilities, connected in a fluid sequence.
The interior courtyard remains a tranquil green space where employees can engage in social activities. The open-air courtyard features an integrated amphitheater designed for informal gatherings, breakout sessions, and social events. The interiors are crafted from wood, clay, and cork, selected for their tactile qualities. Clay is used for wall finishes and internal partitions, referencing Dymak’s pottery products. Cork, another renewable and carbon-storing material, is employed for its acoustic absorption properties and distinctive texture.
The Radial Timber Framework
The choice of utilizing cross-laminated timber (CLT) is both environmentally effective and resonant with Danish architectural history. The grid-like appearance of the façade is composed of 44 radial CLT frames, which form the primary construction principle. These load-bearing frames not only define the building’s geometry and the undulating roof surface but also support all internal floors.
Arranged radially, the 44 frames form a starburst pattern in plan, an approach that is highly efficient in distributing structural loads. The roof of the Dymak HQ is a striking feature, serving as a multifunctional canopy that manages energy production, acoustic shielding, and architectural expression. Covering the entire roof, 880 photovoltaic (PV) panels are strategically integrated into the undulating geometry, which tilts toward the south to provide an optimal angle for harvesting solar energy throughout the year.
The horizontal fins on the southern façade are made of anodized aluminum, providing passive solar shading. The ground floor and outdoor pathways are constructed from recycled bricks, reinforcing the project’s commitment to the circular economy. This material choice provides a durable, low-maintenance surface while grounding the building in local material traditions. The Dymak HQ is set to achieve a trio of prestigious certifications from the Green Building Council Denmark: DGNB Gold, Heart, and Diamond.
Dymak Headquarters Project Details
Architects: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
Location: Odense, Denmark
Area: 2,800 square meters
Landscape: BIG Landscape
Engineering: BIG Engineering
Photo Credit: © Bjarke Ingels Group, Profile
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