Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Charging: A Danish Studio’s Green Oasis
In the Danish town of Sønderborg, a visionary architecture studio has reimagined the electric vehicle (EV) charging experience. EFFEKT, a Copenhagen-based architectural firm, has introduced an innovative concept that merges the functionality of an EV charging station with the tranquility of a park. This initiative, known as Better Energy Charge, serves as a prototype for the renewable energy company Better Energy and is strategically situated adjacent to a solar farm on the company’s research and development campus.
The Concept of Better Energy Charge
From Petrol Pumps to Parks
The primary objective of this project is to redefine the traditional fuel station into a serene environment where visitors can relax and enjoy their surroundings. The design team at EFFEKT envisioned a space where drivers could have a moment of respite while their vehicles are being powered up. The charging points are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, surrounded by wildflower gardens, wooden seating, and an architecturally striking arched canopy made of cross-laminated timber (CLT).
A Haven for Drivers and Nature Alike
EFFEKT’s creative director, Sinus Lynge, emphasized the importance of providing a mental recharge for drivers in addition to the physical charging of their vehicles. The entire station has been crafted as a drivable garden, complete with a playful and welcoming roof structure that draws inspiration from classic garden pavilions. This approach offers a stark contrast to the utilitarian atmosphere typically associated with conventional gas stations.
Design and Sustainability Features
Architectural and Environmental Harmony
The CLT canopy, supported by robust timber arches, not only provides shelter but also houses a glazed showroom where visitors can learn about renewable energy. A staircase ascends to a platform atop the canopy’s green roof, offering a panoramic view of the Better Energy campus. The northern section of the park features a paved area with lush plantings and trees, encircled by wooden benches that delineate the parking spaces flanking the charging points.
Modularity and Future Expansion
Lynge drew parallels between the pavilion’s design and the organic, inviting nature of Danish furniture classics, highlighting the use of natural materials such as cross-laminated timber in the construction. The modular grid system employed in the structure’s design allows for easy modification, whether it be expansion, reduction, or repurposing. This concept is not only adaptable but also scalable, with plans to extend this model to various locations across Northern Europe. The team is already progressing towards the launch of a second station, expected to open by the end of 2024.
One of the pioneering aspects of Better Energy Charge is its dynamic pricing scheme, which encourages users to charge their vehicles during periods when the grid has the highest availability of renewable energy. This innovative approach aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
EFFEKT, established in 2007 by architects Sinus Lynge and Tue Foged, has a history of creating projects that blend architecture with nature, such as Norway’s first treetop walkway and a maritime academy featuring an exposed concrete frame. The studio’s commitment to integrating green spaces into everyday infrastructure is evident in the Better Energy Charge project, which has been captured in stunning photography by Rasmus Hjortshøj.
The Better Energy Charge park stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to not only serve practical needs but also to enhance the quality of life for individuals and contribute to the health of our planet. It is a bold step towards a future where technology, sustainability, and well-being are interwoven into the fabric of our built environment.
