Built in the 1950s, the Bellahøj Houses in Copenhagen are home to more than 2,500 residents and represent an important part of Denmark’s architectural history. They were the country’s first high-rises – and for decades, they stood as a symbol of modern urban living.

But time has taken its toll. Many of the towers developed cracking facades, cold walls, drafts, and indoor climate problems, compounded by poor energy efficiency. ROCKWOOL was involved in the renovation of four of the towers, bringing them up to modern standards while preserving what makes them worth protecting.

Healthier, more comfortable homes – and lower energy bills

The renovation was extensive. Facades were completely replaced, and a substantial layer of ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation was installed underneath. Windows were renewed and insulated at the edges, kitchens and bathrooms were upgraded, and mechanical ventilation was introduced to ensure fresh air throughout.

Because the buildings went from having no insulation to a modern, well-insulated envelope, energy consumption dropped significantly as well.

According to preliminary data from KAB, the Danish non-profit housing association that administers the buildings, district heating consumption in the four towers (Ved Bellahøj Nord 7 and Ved Bellahøj Nord 16) fell by an estimated 38 percent in 2025, the first full year after residents moved back in, compared to 2021, the last full year before renovation began.

With the renovation of the Bellahøj Houses, our ambition has been to honour a unique architectural heritage while ensuring these homes are ready for the next generation. It is a rare opportunity where protected cultural heritage is combined with modern sustainability principles to create better comfort, lower energy use, and long-term resilience in one unified effort. For us, this project shows how thoughtful transformation can strengthen both a community and a city.

Søren-Emil Schütt

Vice Chairman of AKB, København, the residents cooperative responsible for many of the Houses.

Bellahøj is a protected cultural-historic site, which meant every decision had to balance modern performance requirements with respect for the buildings’ original appearance. The renovation demonstrates that these two goals are not in conflict – it is entirely possible to meet today’s standards for healthy, energy-efficient housing while honouring the heritage that makes a building worth preserving.

Project information

Client: KAB (Copenhagen’s General Housing Association)

Architect: Arkitema

Contractor: Enemaerke & Petersen

ROCKWOOL Products: ROCKWOOL REDAir Batts and REDAir Link

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