The Braunstein Taphouse Køge

GOAL no. 7, 9, 12, 13

The Braunstein Taphouse is both a visitor’s centre for a local microbrewery and a generator of urban life in the urban development area Køge Coast. The building is located on the edge of the harbour but constructed to be disassembled and relocated if sea levels rise.

We do not know the future, but we know that our needs vary over time, that climate change will affect the way we live and that we need to reduce our consumption of the planet’s resources. To address these changes, new-builds have to be both resilient and flexible, so that building components and materials can be repurposed in the future.

The Braunstein Taphouse is located in the emerging urban development area Køge Coast. The building is a visitor’s centre for the local Braunstein brewery and distillery which also houses a café and restaurant and serves as a local meeting place.

The taphouse lies on the pier which may become part of the city’s climate adaptation strategy. Hence, the building is designed for disassembly, meaning that it can be reconstructed somewhere else or provide materials for other projects if the location proves untenable.

The building was constructed with a limited range of materials which are largely unmixed. This has reduced waste in comparison to typical construction projects. The building utilizes simple tectonic principles and is assembled exclusively by mechanical means. All primary wall surfaces are without paint or joints, and flooring is leftover wood from a local floor manufacturer. The large roof surfaces are made of polycarbonate click panels. Certified Accoya was used for the timber exteriors. The taphouse is partially self-sufficient in electricity from solar panels, and natural ventilation reduces the need for mechanical ventilation.

This project demonstrates how resource awareness with a focus on a building’s future reuse potential can make a positive contribution to a place. When new needs arise, the building can be re-used either in whole or as a source of materials.

Project details

Where: Carlsensvej, 4600 Køge

Opening Year: 2020

Client: Bryggeriet Braunstein

Architects and advisors: ADEPT, HPH Totalbyg (contractor), Give Steel (structural)