INCUBA Next, Denmark

Where tech innovation grows in a sustainable setting

About

Challenge

Expanding the existing 12,000 m² INCUBA Katrinebjerg office complex in Aarhus with 22,000 m² of new office space within the constraints of a narrow high-rise footprint.

Solution

The new 18-storey INCUBA Next high-rise seamlessly integrates 22,000 m² of flexible, future-ready office space with the existing building. The project has been awarded a DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) Gold Certificate for sustainability.

Value

INCUBA Next expands the Katrinebjerg science park with 22,000 m² of office space, 4,000 m² of parking facilities and 1,400 m² of roof terraces. The building provides flexible workspaces for up to 1,200 additional people, strengthening Aarhus' position as a hub for technology and innovation.

Specifications

Capacity

18-storey high-rise with 22,000 m² of office space

Location

Aarhus

Period

2022–2024

Country

Denmark

Partners

INCUBA (client), Rambøll (builder’s engineer), AART Architects (building design), ADEPT (architect/building design) and A. Enggaard A/S (contractor)

Services

Building consultancy. All engineering consulting related to design, including structures, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, building management systems, sustainability, certified fire consulting, sewage, acoustics, energy, indoor climate, and the integration of security measures, including access control.

IT and tech scaleups sharing more than office space

For growing tech companies, access to networks, knowledge and shared services can be just as important as office space. INCUBA Next was created with that in mind while also meeting high sustainability standards.

The office building offers flexible and inspiring facilities where scale-ups can share meeting rooms, roof terraces, mail and parcel reception, a restaurant with meeting catering, kitchenettes, printing facilities, IT and technical support, and other amenities.

INCUBA Next (Photo: Morten Aagaard Krogh for ADEPT)

Where innovation lives next door to giants

INCUBA Next is closely connected to Aarhus University's research environment, while neighbouring companies, such as Microsoft, contribute to a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, knowledge sharing and business development.

The result? A thriving innovation community where companies can exchange ideas, inspire one another and develop new partnerships. By bringing emerging and established businesses together under one roof, INCUBA Next creates opportunities for collaboration and growth. The building also hosts Business Hub Central Denmark (Erhvervshus Midtjylland), providing advisory services to start-ups and scale-ups.

INCUBA Next – lounge area. (Photo: INCUBA)

Making complexity work

A project of this magnitude implies complex tasks. Behind the scenes, a wide range of technical systems work together seamlessly, from climate control and automated lighting to fire alarms and electrical installations.

Our experts provided all engineering consulting related to design and carried out the commissioning and testing of the building systems.

“In a building of this standard, these systems are quite complex, and the janitors often need a degree in technology management to operate this equipment properly, so it is an important task to make sure that all systems are monitored and that they work properly.”

Torben Bottke, Project Manager, COWI

INCUBA Next – roof terrace. (Photo: INCUBA)

Rethinking high-rise safety

Safety was a key consideration in all aspects of the project. The building's design includes extensive fire safety measures, ensuring that all escape routes are safe and accessible. The ventilation system has been strategically planned to support evacuation in case of an emergency.

However, the relatively narrow shape of the high-rise presented a special challenge. Normally, a high-rise has two different staircases for fire safety reasons, but since each floor only covers some 600 m², it was necessary to establish one single, central staircase. This staircase provides two separate stairways for going up and down, which promotes mobility and safety in the building.

INCUBA Next (Photo: Morten Aagaard Krogh for ADEPT)

Sustainability in every dimension earned a DGNB Gold Certificate

INCUBA wanted the new building to support the green transition while creating an attractive and flexible environment for the companies that would use it. Sustainability was therefore a key consideration throughout the project, from the choice of materials to the long-term operation of the building.

The project team focused on reducing CO₂ emissions during construction and finding ways to lower energy and water consumption throughout the building's lifetime.

“INCUBA had the indispensable goal that the new building should achieve the DGNB Gold Certificate for sustainability. To achieve the certification, it is necessary to fulfil a long list of criteria which include environmental impact, biodiversity and the composition of materials used in the project.”

Jeanette Tode Sørensen, Sustainability Expert, COWI

The certification also takes economic and social factors into account. Economic considerations included the durability and life cycle of the building and its materials, as well as the building's flexibility and adaptability. Social factors, such as indoor climate, access to daylight, training facilities, café areas and outdoor spaces, including roof terraces, also formed part of the assessment.