Klimatorium Climate Innovation Center designed by 3XN

Klimatorium Climate Innovation Center designed by 3XN

The Klimatorium, located in Lemvig, Denmark, serves as the country’s international climate center. Amidst challenges like rising sea levels, temperatures, and the growing threat of extreme weather, the Klimatorium acts as a dynamic hub for innovation and research on storm surges, water management, and climate change. Situated along the harborfront, the building blends rustic, functional architecture with local craftsmanship, reflecting the town’s rich fishing heritage.

Lemvig’s waterfront has been shaped by its historical role as a port over centuries. Designed with two stories, the Klimatorium harmonizes with the area’s low-scale urban landscape through its simple, practical design. A striking feature of the building is a sculptural indentation on the southern façade, which connects the center to its surroundings and creates a welcoming transitional space between the interior and exterior for the community.

Combining research and exhibition in a single space.

As a climate-focused hub, the Klimatorium integrates research facilities with public spaces, aiming to foster collaboration and social interaction. It provides a space where locals, tourists, and institutions can learn about climate change and explore innovative solutions developed on-site.  

This purpose is reflected in the building’s design, which is both visually appealing and functionally practical. The upper floor offers office, meeting, and lounge areas for companies, while the ground floor is an open, adaptable space for exhibitions, showcasing new research, and hosting a café for visitors.

Unpolished and earthy aesthetic

From the exterior through to the interior, Klimatorium draws inspiration from the rich culture of the area and its relationship to the water. The material palette is reminiscent of the nearby boat halls with wood, concrete and steel, bringing a raw, rustic, and honest expression. The double height structure is wrapped in ash-black vertical louvers that recall the tarred undersides of the boats in the port while also more practically protecting from direct sunlight.

The building’s iconic feature is a wooden "wave" that arches above the main entrance, making the Klimatorium a distinctive and memorable landmark. This flowing design creates a transitional space that bridges the exterior and interior, offering a sheltered seating area where visitors can feel protected from the elements while remaining connected to them.

Inspired by the region’s long history of boat-building, the wave’s striking form echoes the shape of traditional fishing vessels, a craft deeply rooted in Danish heritage. To achieve this, the design team worked with the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde to faithfully replicate the structure and materials of a boat’s hull, blending historical inspiration with modern design.

The wave intrudes into the exhibition area as a striking and intricate structure, highlighting the regional traditions of artisanal skill.

A cityscape shaped by its surroundings

The Klimatorium showcases the transformation of Lemvig’s waterfront from a commercial port into one of Denmark’s most remarkable experiential harbors. To achieve this, the surrounding landscape has been designed as a "Green Climate Corridor." This innovative approach integrates flood protection seamlessly into the urban environment, enhancing the connection between the city and the sea rather than separating them. The landscape is thoughtfully organized to align with prevailing wind patterns, while permeable surfaces allow water to drain naturally, reducing runoff during storms or seawater overflows.

This design element engages with the gentle curves of the nearby skatepark, establishing a natural pathway through the terrain while forming inviting, protected areas for leisure activities. The plant life consists solely of native species that flourish in the coastal setting and demand minimal maintenance. 

The climate corridor functions as an open-air venue for Klimatorium employees to carry out experiments, while also offering the town of Lemvig a vibrant urban space that attracts visitors to the harbor.

Details of the Klimatorium Project:

Project Title: Klimatorium  

Architectural Firm: 3XN Architects  

Client: Lemvig Municipal Council and Lemvig Utility  

Location: Lemvig, Denmark  

Partners: SLA, Orbicon  

Completion Status: Finished in 2020  

The project overview is presented by 3XN Architects.

The project overview is presented by 3XN Architects.

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