Danish pavilion

The Danish Pavilion on the EXPO grounds in Hannover was renovated by the architecture and building services engineering firm Grobe into a highly energy-efficient complex of buildings designed to reflect the firm’s vision: “The integration of energy efficiency and renewable energy into architecture and building services engineering is intended to place climate protection on a sound economic footing while simultaneously enhancing comfort.”  The goal of the renovation was to create a high-profile building with a strong focus on ecological innovation, while preserving the innovative architectural design of the original Expo.

High-energy refurbishment

The energy orientation was the passive house standard in the existing building (EnerPHit) and a very high coverage by renewable energies. As an energy-plus building, the pavilion should have a positive energy balance in the future. The reduction in energy requirements for heating, cooling and electricity was initially implemented with passive measures (high-quality thermal insulation, highly efficient heat recovery, LED lighting, etc.). The remaining energy requirements will be covered by renewable energies in future. The entire concept is based on the idea of optimized life cycle costs. At the heart of the building technology is the combination of a building-integrated, rainproof photovoltaic thermal system (PVT or solar hybrid collector) in conjunction with a brine/water heat pump as well as geothermal probes and collectors to fully cover the energy requirements for heating/cooling and electricity generation. The heating of the buildings was completely converted from the existing gas boiler to the PVT system. The existing inefficient chiller was also replaced by the heat pump. In addition, passive cooling is provided by the PVT collectors and the ground. The heat pump is therefore the central heating and cooling generator for the office and ancillary buildings. The solar-generated electricity is primarily used internally, including by the eight public charging points for electric vehicles.

© Event location Danish Pavilion

Various grants were utilized for the high-performance energy-efficient renovation (proKlima Hannover, the Region of Hannover and the City of Hannover, KfW, DBU).

Sustainable event location

The pavilion is divided into four structures: the main building and three annexes—the Pyramid, the Dome, and the Cube. The main building is used as an office building by the Grobe architectural firm. The meeting rooms located here and the annexes are used for external events, training sessions, exhibitions (including those on the topics of innovation and energy efficiency), private parties, and so on. While the Pyramid and the Dome serve as conference venues, creative spaces, lounges, or similar, the commercial kitchen located in the Cube can be utilized for various events (e.g., cooking classes, barbecues, or Christmas parties). Regular networking events for architects and engineers are planned in the Pyramid. All spaces are barrier-free and have direct access to the outdoor areas. The main building, the Pyramid, and the Dome are equipped with high-quality ventilation systems. The convenient location with good public transport connections is also a plus for trade show visitors and exhibitors. Additionally, a stop for the Moia shuttle service—which is fully electric and emission-free—is located right outside the door.

In summary, the Danish Pavilion—with its attractive spaces of varying sizes and unique architecture, combined with ecological and economic sustainability—offers the prospect of unforgettable (sustainable) events, which can also include a guided tour by the owner, Carsten Grobe.

For more information and a 360° tour, click here.