Buildings advocated for waste management are usually discreetly left out of sight. This project is a flagrant exception to the rule. Dutch Architect Erick van Egeraat has won the international competition for the design of a new incineration line in Roskilde, Denmark.

Local waste management company sought an iconic expression for the otherwise functional architecture of its next generation incineration line. Due to its large scale, the incinerator is destined to become an outstanding structure in the wide and open landscape of the Roskilde area. After its completion in 2013, the facility will produce both electricity and heating for the Roskilde district.

"I want to engage Incineration Line 6 in a dialogue with its historic and industrial surroundings. Close to the ground we shaped the building to reflect the angular factory roofs of the immediate surroundings," says Erick van Egeraat. "We then let the building culminate in a 100m tall spire. This spire pays the due respect to the existing historic landmark, Roskilde Cathedral, with its trademark twin spires and its warm brick and stone material palette."

Laser-cut circular openings cover the raw umber-coloured aluminium façade. At night, backlighting of the perforated façade transforms the incinerator into a glowing beacon, symbolising the energy production inside the facility. For a few minutes every hour a spark gradually grows into a blazing flame eating up the entire building. The metaphoric fire then ceases, and the building falls into a state of burning embers.

In order to fulfil the technical requirements for ventilation, wind and water tightness, the façade is composed of two layers.  The inner layer provides all necessary openings for daylight and air-circulation. This liberates the outer layer from functional requirements and allows for flexibility in the patterning. 

"Our design rests on standard, readily-available products and simple construction details. We use cutting-edge manufacturing technology to minimise the production costs of the façade and the eye-catching lighting scheme uses standard, energy-efficient fittings", explains Erick van Egeraat.

The jury backed the design unanimously: "... with unique and powerful expression through surprising simplicity and [offering] a great experience value for the spectator from close and far. This is the right statement for the new building of Kara/Noveren."

The other participants in the competition are NL Architects, Cubo Arkitekter A/S, Holm & Grut Arkitekter A/S, SITE A/S Arkitekter and Arkitektfirmaet C.F. Møller A/S.

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