Transparent spaces with history in the material

KAB-Huset in Copenhagen was recently certified to DGNB Gold – a recognition of a building where social, environmental and economic considerations have been integrated from the very first sketch.

For Wallmakers, the certification is also an occasion to revisit a project where the glass partitions were developed as an integral part of the architecture. Here, idea, material and craftsmanship merged into something special – and the result became a story of collaboration, responsible material choices, and uncompromising product development.

In the building’s atrium, 12 meeting rooms form an open “dollhouse” facing the interior of the building. Here, Wallmakers delivered glazed partitions with frames made from surplus pine timber from the furniture industry.

A resource-conscious solution with a visible structure and history in the grain, ensuring generous daylight – and creating warmth, transparency and coherence between floors and functions. The system is modular and service-friendly, so the interior layout can be adapted over time without demolition – important parameters in DGNB-certified construction, where not only material choices but also future use are taken into account.

An idea born from early dialogue

The solution emerged in early dialogue between Wallmakers and Henning Larsen Architects, where the ambition was materials with a long service life, low maintenance requirements and a warm, human expression. Surplus pine timber became the key material and formed the basis for a tailored glass partition system that combines warmth, flexibility, transparency and acoustic comfort.

The collaboration is an example of how the strongest solutions arise at the meeting point between the architect’s vision and the manufacturer’s product understanding – and shows how glass partitions can support architecture, wellbeing and sustainability in modern office construction.

Experience carried forward into new projects

Since KAB-Huset, Wallmakers powered by DEKO has carried the experience forward into a number of new projects – including Rockwool HQ, Danmarks Skibskredit, Hotel Frihavnen, Hans Just Pakhus, Haus and Julemærkefondens Hus.

Across the projects, the ambition is the same: bespoke designs, transparency and generous spatial sequences through the combination of wood and glass, responsible material choices, high craftsmanship detailing and modular solutions that can meet acoustic and fire-performance requirements.