Novonesis Innovation Campus (formerly Chr. Hansen) in Hørsholm is now complete - a carefully considered 15,000 m² extension woven into the existing buildings and together forming a 38,000 square metres campus set within the forest.

Situated in a forest in a 1960’s masterplan by Arne Jacobsen, the Innovation Campus now harmonise with the beautiful surroundings and showcase how an extension can turn worn-down, mono-functional buildings into a coherent innovation hub by interweaving new functions. This reduced demolition and the gross-area, thus minimising climate imprint.

“In close collaboration with the client, we decided to revitalise the existing structures rather than tear everything down. Embracing the challenge pushed us to our limits to maximise the site’s potential and harmoniously blend the new with the old. In doing so, we not only enhanced the value of what was already there but also reduced the environmental impact,” says partner Anne Møller Sørensen, Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects.

Drawing inspiration from the original layout

The guiding principle of the new campus is well-functioning, understated extravagance. It combines new technology and production methods with a contemporary interpretation of Danish modernism - a style introduced by our founder, Vilhelm Lauritzen, together with Arne Jacobsen in the first half of the 20th century.

“With a clear reference to the past, we aimed to reintroduce Danish modernism by drawing inspiration from the existing material palette on site. We meticulously integrated high-quality materials such as oak and natural stone throughout the expansion, focusing on refined detailing to create a timeless building,” says Anne Møller Sørensen.

The façade is clad in dusty white limestone, while the interior walls are cast in untreated concrete with exposed glulam beams and acoustic timber cladding. Floors are finished in greenish Norwegian quartzite and illuminated by skylights and large windows. Green elements are deliberately incorporated as an architectural feature, strengthening the relationship between the building and its natural surroundings.

A campus for people and innovation

Novonesis Innovation Campus functions as a modern hub for innovation, knowledge sharing, and client collaboration, designed to meet the diverse needs of the global bioscience company. All industrial facilities – including state-of-the-art laboratories and a dairy application centre - are fully integrated into the architecture.

The design allows researchers to move freely between experiments and desk-based work, creating an environment that supports creativity and productivity. Innovation Campus is a vibrant example of how past and present can be united to create a functional and iconic space that fulfils its practical purpose while standing as a testament to architectural innovation and environmental responsibility.

Note: The text was updated in 2025. When the project was completed, it was under the name Chr. Hansen Innovation Campus - today it is called Novonesis Innovation Campus.