Adelgade Farm Renovation – Building Biodiversity

PROJECT

Adelgade courtyardrenovation

SERVICES

Baseline survey, concept proposal, design, biodiversity strategy, DGNB, monitoring, operational inspection, landscape

SPECIES

Blackbird, great tit, common swift, blue tit, wild bees

SIZE

1,700 square meters

WHERE

Copenhagen K, Denmark

WHEN

2022 – Construction to begin in spring 2025

CUSTOMER

Akademiker Pension

Adelgade 15-17 is a modernist building from 1966, designed by Svenn Eske Kristensen, and is now undergoing a sustainable transformation. The project combines renovation with reuse and innovation to create a future-proof building that respects its historical architecture and contributes to biodiversity and environmental sustainability. While Arcgency is overseeing the building renovation, Building Biodiversity is responsible for upgrading the courtyards.

On Adelgade, biodiversity and urban nature are central elements in the transformation of outdoor spaces and the building. Drawing on the concept of front and backyards, more intimate and species-rich outdoor spaces are being created for the building’s tenants. Through initiatives such as green roofs, climbing plants, and insect hotels, habitats are being restored for a wide range of species. Microhabitats such as rock piles, dead wood, and flowering plants support both small animals and insect life. The project focuses particularly on bird species such as the blackbird, common swift, blue tit, and great tit, which will have architect-designed nest boxes on the facades and access to additional nest boxes, water sources, and food sources in the courtyards. The courtyard already had flower beds with Corten steel edging; these will be preserved, and the soil and plantings will be replaced or optimized, shifting from a mostly monoculture to a wide diversity of species. New flower beds will incorporate recycled materials that are crushed and mixed together, with highly drought-tolerant and robust species dominating the composition. The rear courtyard will be transformed from a space used solely for parking and waste disposal into an area for recreation, featuring a built-in row house for cavity-nesting bees.

Focus Species

Overview of Various Target Species

Blackbird

The blackbird is a common garden bird that feeds mainly on earthworms, insects, and berries. It builds its nest in bushes and dense vegetation and often sings from high perches. Bushes, trees, and areas with foliage provide it with both food and shelter.

Great Tit

The great tit is the largest tit in Denmark and one of our most common birds. It is found year-round and usually lives within a small area. The great tit is very trusting, which is why it is often seen at the feeder, where it may even chase other birds away.

Common Swift

The common swift spends almost its entire life in the air, where it catches flying insects. It breeds in cavities in buildings and is therefore dependent on safe nesting sites. Nesting boxes, built-in nesting cavities, and a rich insect population can help this species in urban areas.

Blue Tit

The blue tit is very common in Denmark. It can be seen year-round and is a frequent visitor to the bird feeder. Blue tits love to nest in nest boxes. Most blue tits live year-round in a small area where they find food.

Red mason bee

The red mason bee is a solitary bee that builds nests in small cavities and seals the cells with mud. It collects pollen and nectar for its larvae and is an effective pollinator. Natural cavities and flowers throughout the season can help this species in urban areas.

Tawny mining bee

The red-furred earth bee is a solitary bee with distinctive reddish-brown fur. It digs burrows in the ground, where the female constructs cells for her offspring. Sunny patches of ground and flowering plants provide it with both nesting sites and food.

“The project’s overall focus is sustainability. We will prioritize the use of recycled materials, bio-based materials, and initiatives that promote biodiversity. The goal is to modernize the building with the smallest possible carbon footprint so that we can create a better future for both the property and the environment.”