VELUX’s LKR Innovation House in Østbirk, Denmark, has been recognised with the Danish Design Award 2026, celebrating an ambitious transformation where architecture, sustainability and workplace well-being come together.

Originally built as a timber warehouse in 1995, the building has been transformed into a modern innovation hub for more than 500 VELUX employees. With over 55% of the original materials preserved, the project demonstrates how existing architecture can be reimagined for the future.

We’re proud to have contributed to this award-winning project with AKUART acoustic solutions, bringing together sound performance, thoughtful design and material responsibility.

A well-designed workplace is about more than what we see. Sound plays an equally important role in how we experience a space, influencing concentration, communication and everyday comfort.

In open and collaborative environments like LKR Innovation House, acoustic design helps create a balance between areas for focused work and spaces that encourage interaction.

AKUART contributed with Supersonic Wall Panels, Supersonic Writing Boards and Mobile Writing Boards, supporting acoustic comfort while integrating naturally into the building’s architectural vision.

The Supersonic Wall Panels provide Class A sound absorption, helping reduce reverberation and improve speech clarity. Meanwhile, the writing boards bring additional functionality to meeting areas and collaborative spaces, allowing the workplace to adapt to different activities throughout the day.

Designed around daylight, timber and natural materials, LKR Innovation House celebrates the character of its original structure.

AKUART’s acoustic solutions were selected to complement this approach. Raw aluminium frames sit naturally alongside the exposed timber and concrete, while the textile surfaces bring softness and visual balance to the interiors.

Rather than treating acoustics as a separate technical requirement, the solutions become part of the overall design language, combining sound absorption, functionality and aesthetics.

The replaceable canvases also allow the panels to evolve with changing interior needs, without requiring the entire product to be replaced.

The transformation of LKR Innovation House is rooted in making better use of existing resources, a philosophy reflected in AKUART’s material choices.

The Supersonic Wall Panel features frames made from 100% recycled Hydro CIRCAL 100R aluminium, acoustic absorbers containing 75% recycled PET fibres and canvases made from 100% recycled polyester.

Designed for disassembly, repair and renewal, the Supersonic Wall Panel demonstrates how acoustic performance and material responsibility can be considered together from the earliest design decisions.

The Danish Design Award jury recognised LKR Innovation House as an example of what is possible when ambitious collaboration, experimentation and care for people and the planet come together.

As the jury puts it:

“This project shows what is possible when we dare to take transformation all the way.”

Congratulations to VELUX, Praksis Arkitekter and everyone involved in bringing this remarkable transformation to life.

We’re proud to have played a part in shaping a workplace where architecture, acoustics and responsible design work together.