Nuukullak 10 is a residential complex, demonstrating BIOSIS's commitment to climate-driven design. The building harmonizes with the extreme climate and rugged landscape of Greenland while providing residents with comfort and functionality.
Situated on the mountain ridge of Entreprenørdalen, in an area transitioning from industrial to urban, Nuukullak 10 connects the city with the striking surrounding landscapes. Located on the edge of the valley and near the upcoming coastal trail Kyststien, Nuukullak 10 plays an important role in linking people with the natural beauty and recreational spaces.
Designing for the Arctic
BIOSIS, based in Copenhagen, specializes in climate-driven design, allowing weather and landscape to shape their work in challenging environments like Scandinavia, the North Atlantic, and the Arctic. At Nuukullak 10, this approach guided the architects in addressing the harsh northern winds and limited winter daylight. They conducted extensive studies on wind patterns, airflow, and sunlight to optimize the building's performance and improve the residents' quality of life. The low-rise structure, oriented to the microclimate, creates a comfortable living environment both indoors and outdoors.
The building's distinctive horseshoe shape provides a sheltered courtyard, with an open southern end offering light and views of the surrounding landscape and sea. The inner courtyard serves as a play area for children, a communal space during summer, and a wind-protected entrance point throughout the year. All entrances and balconies are designed as recessed niches, further shielding residents from wind and snow.
Respecting the natual landscape
BIOSIS prioritizes minimal environmental impact. The architects aim to minimize disruption to the natural terrain and preserve local habitats. The design minimizes rock blasting, allowing the building to ascend naturally along the ridge's slope. This approach integrates the structure with its surroundings, creating a harmonious extension of the landscape.
The ground floor features a glazed café that overlooks a small square, inviting pedestrians and cyclists to connect with the building and each other. This feature fosters community development and enhances the transformation of the district.
Tailored Comfort
Nuukullak 10 comprises 45 apartments with varying layouts and sizes, from one-bedroom to four-bedroom units, accommodating a range of residents from students to families. The minimalist interiors feature generous bay windows offering abundant daylight and unobstructed views of the Ukkusissat mountain and the Nuup Kangerlua fjord. Each unit has a southeast-facing balcony, designed to capture maximum sunlight while shielding against northern winds.
The building's façade, clad in solid and perforated corten steel, complements the natural colors of the surrounding vegetation. The perforated design provides additional shelter and privacy without compromising views, light, or ventilation. The corten steel was chosen for its durability and its ability to develop a patina that matches the natural environment.
A Foundation in the Arctic
Founded in 2018 by Danish architects Morten Vedelsbøl and Mikkel Thams Olsen, BIOSIS has quickly established a reputation for innovative, climate-driven design in remote regions like Iceland, Norway, and Canada. The project in Nuuk marked a significant step for the studio, demonstrating its expertise in creating sustainable architecture that aligns with challenging environmental conditions.
BIOSIS was brought on board early in the process to evaluate the feasibility of developing housing on a difficult site where others had failed. The studio's are rooted in rigorous climate research and a deep understanding of human and environmental needs. These guiding principles allowed BIOSIS to create a residential complex that addresses Nuuk's housing shortage while respecting the natural landscape.
