The bathrooms at Tietgenkollegiet are undergoing renovation with support from the Nordea Foundation. The project aims to future-proof the dormitory, which is home to our 390 students who live and study in this iconic building in Copenhagen.
Tietgenkollegiet, constructed with funding from the Nordea Foundation, remains an architecturally unique building with a special status in Denmark, even 20 years after its completion. Tietgenkollegiet stands apart from other buildings and has earned international recognition for its distinctive design, which enhances both the social life in the college halls and individual residents’ need for privacy and a peaceful environment for their studies.
Renovating the Bathrooms
During Tietgenkollegiet’s construction from 2004 to 2005, brass fittings and valves were installed in all 360 bathrooms. At that time, it was not uncommon, and the long-term corrosion risks associated with brass in installations were not widely recognized. This issue has now become apparent, and the college has experienced several water damage incidents as a result. These isolated damages have been repaired on an ongoing basis. However, to prevent further issues and protect the beautiful and functional building from extensive damage, all bathrooms are now being renovated with support from the Nordea Foundation.
“Tietgenkollegiet is a unique building that should continue to offer the best possible environment for students in the future. With support from the Nordea Foundation, we now have the opportunity to begin the essential renovation of the bathrooms. This work prevents future damage and ensures that this exceptional building will continue to serve as an amazing home for Danish and international students for many years to come,” says Henrik Tvarnø, Director of the Tietgenkollegiet Foundation.
“We at the Nordea Foundation are very proud of Tietgenkollegiet. This renovation project is essential for ensuring the building remains modern and functional in the long term. For this reason, we are also ready to take responsibility and contribute financially. Tietgenkollegiet is a building of high architectural quality, but first and foremost, it is a vibrant place where student communities can grow and flourish every day. With our support for this renovation, we can future-proof the unique building and its 360 dormitory rooms for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations of residents,” says Christine Paludan-Müller, Grant Manager at the Nordea Foundation.
Project Execution
The renovation project will take place from 2024 to 2026. During a seven-week period, we will temporarily rehouse two kitchens at a time, each serving 12 residents, within two on-site “hotel kitchens” at the college. Extensive collaboration with residents and the Tietgen College Board throughout the renovation period will ensure that everyone is kept continuously informed about the process, and the work will be conducted with the utmost respect for our residents’ daily lives as students.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
About Tietgenkollegiet
Tietgenkollegiet is an internationally acclaimed architectural landmark, completed in 2005. It has won numerous awards and draws global attention for its unique circular design, conceived by the architectural firm Lundgaard & Tranberg. The seven-story circular building is notable not only for its shape and structure but also for its choice of materials and decoration.
The exterior features a facade of tombak (a copper alloy) and oak, while the interior spaces consist of smooth raw concrete, walls clad in birch veneer, and floors of magnesite. These raw, natural materials contrast with the building’s decoration, created by artists Mathilde Aggerbo and Julie Henriksen.
The circular building surrounds a large planted courtyard and elegantly balances our residents’ community needs with their desire for privacy.
Tietgenkollegiet was established with a donation from the Nordea Foundation. Today, it is operated by the independent Tietgenkollegiet Foundation.
Fact Box:
- Project Name: Renovation of Tietgenkollegiet’s 360 bathrooms
- Project Owner: Tietgenkollegiet
- Project Period: 2024–2026
- Supported with: DKK 40,440,250
