ZÜBLIN building impressive wooden church in Copenhagen

ZÜBLIN A/S, the Danish subsidiary of Ed. Züblin AG, is serving as general contractor for the construction of a new church in Copenhagen’s Ørestad neighbourhood on the island of Amager in collaboration with ZÜBLIN Timber GmbH of Aichach, Germany. Commissioned by the Islands Brygges Parish, this highly anticipated project is a striking example of modern architecture meeting sustainable timber construction. The design by renowned architectural firm Henning Larsen will harmoniously integrate the church into its surroundings near the Kalvebod Fælled scenic area. Work is already underway, and ZÜBLIN Timber expects to begin delivering and assembling the prefabricated timber elements, produced at its Aichach plant, in September 2025.
 
Copenhagen’s first new-built church in 30 years
The new church building, with its geometrically intricate design, will serve not only as a place of worship but will also accommodate administrative and cultural functions. At its heart is a modern chapel reaching up to 13 metres in height with 16 distinctive roof structures (domes) and integrated skylights to flood the interior with natural light. The building’s structural system consists of a glued laminated timber and steel frame, complemented by timber-framed walls and ribbed elements for the ceilings and roofs. The ensemble also includes a two-storey administrative wing and a sheltered courtyard.
 
“We are honoured to serve as the general contractor for the new Ørestad Church,” says Anders Feldbaek of ZÜBLIN A/S. “Contributing a timber building of this calibre to Denmark’s cultural heritage is truly a privilege. I would especially like to highlight the collaboration with our sister company ZÜBLIN Timber, whose expertise is key to bringing this complex timber construction project to life.”

Inspired by the canopy of a forest, the church’s distinctive roof design and interior evoke the natural beauty of trees. The façade will be clad in Canadian cedar shingles made entirely of tree scraps, which will naturally weather over time to develop a silver-grey patina. On the ground floor, the façade also features recessed timber-clad window niches with built-in seating. The project is targeting DGNB Gold certification for sustainability.

 
Facts and figures about the new Ørestad Church:
Location:                                   Richard Mortensens Vej 1,
                                                  2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
Client:                                       Islands Brygges Parish
General contractor:                  ZÜBLIN A/S, Søborg
Subcontractor (timber):            ZÜBLIN Timber GmbH, Aichach
Architects:                                Henning Larsen, Copenhagen
Engineering consultants:         Ramboll, Copenhagen
Timber Structural Design:        WSP Danmark A/S, Taastrup
Area:                                         1,618 m² on 2 floors
Capacity:                                  275 standing and 130 seated
Sustainability certification:       DGNB Gold