Green-Roofed 8 Tallet Complex Officially Opens In Denmark

Design firm <a href="http://big.dk/">BIG</a> just announced the official opening of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/21/8-tallet-green-roofed-apartment-complex-opens-in-denmark/">8 Tallet</a>, the third large development the firm designed in the new neighborhood of Ørestad, Copenhagen. The ground-breaking bow tie-shaped building sports an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/18/bigs-8-tallet-grabs-the-2010-scandinavian-green-roof-award/">award-winning</a> green roof, a mixed use plan including business offices and condos, and a very cool bike and pedestrian pathway that trasverses the entire building. The huge complex takes its cues from the city neighborhood to create a healthy, active community under one roof. We love the look and the function of the building, so check out the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?attachment_id=176368">gallery</a> below to see more!

The complex has 476 apartments of all sizes and prices, a ground floor of retail tucked under the upper stories, and an office complex to the north side.

The complex sits adjacent to a water course and grass plain, creating a transition between the city and countryside.

A series of community spaces are located where the wings of the complex meet.

The unique roof was developed to provide all of the apartments with access to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?cat=77">sunlight</a>.

Each apartment has a view of a green space.

The striking courtyard and view of the plains beyond are a hallmark of 8 Tallet.

Apartments come is a huge variety of sizes and prices to accommodate a large cross section of the population.

Many units have private outdoor areas.

A detail photo of the unique stepped facade.

A detail photo of the upper northern facade.

The second courtyard is a space for families to let their kids play in a protected but rich outdoor environment.

To learn how the vision of the building came to be, check out this <a href="http://vimeo.com/3499612">video</a> where Bjarke Ingels, principle of BIG, explains the thinking process that went into the design.

The entire complex is accessible by a path that loops and traverses the building's elevation.

Gathering places are provided to catalyze community activities.

"Where social life, the spontaneous encounter and neighbor interaction traditionally is restricted to the ground level, the 8 House allows it to expand all the way to the top,” Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner, BIG

The 9 meter-wide corridor is wide enough for a bike, and it connects the apartments with the businesses below and the water on one end and public transportation on the other.

The path also crosses the roof, providing pubic access to the views and a great way to get exercise on their way to the corner coffeehouse.

8 Tallet has been likened to a Italian village on a hill.

The south-facing iconic green roof softens the building's profile as seen from the adjacent fields and helps to cool the interior.

“8 House is our second realized example of architectural alchemy – the idea that by mixing traditional ingredients, retail, row¬houses and apartments in untraditional ways – you create added value if not gold. The mix allows the individual activities to find their way to the most ideal location within the common framework – the retail facing street, the offices towards northern light and the residences with sun and views to the open spaces. 8 House is a perimeter block that morphs into a knot, twisting and turning to maximize the life quality of its many inhabitants,” Bjarke Ingels.