Isbjerget/The Iceberg

Vanceva helps architects imitate nature for unique living space

Nature’s stunning ice creations are reinterpreted at the Iceberg, a majestic residential building overlooking the harbor at Aarhus,
Denmark. With superb attention to detail, the architects used staggered roof lines that fall into peaks and valleys to create the sculptural feeling of floating icebergs. A brilliant white façade is punctuated with lightweight glass balconies, which are designed with progressively lighter blue colors as one’s eye travels upward. All flats have cantilevered balconies oriented to the east and south to capture and maximize light and provide unobstructed views. The balconies have a shifting oblique orientation, which reflects the crystalline and unpredictable appearance of icebergs emerging from the water. 

The architects used Vanceva Aquamarine interlayers to create the transparent balconies, an effect created by using one, two, or three interlayers. The more interlayers used, the deeper the hue becomes. Clear laminated glass is used at the very top balconies to represent the tip of the iceberg. The safety benefits of laminated glass ensure that residents can enjoy transparent views of the harbor year round.

“Although very simple, this project is truly architectural,” wrote Andrew Moor, juror. “A simple expression and use of color has transformed the building. It helps articulate its geometry, adds warmth to the building, and a softening to its lines. Very good.” “Creative use, simple, understated, accentuates the design concept,” commented Kiku Obata, juror.