Solrødgaard Water Treatment Plant

The Solrødgård Water Treatment Plant is fully immersed in its surrounding landscape. It defies the aesthetic and olfactory presence commonly associated with such a facility – Instead of industrial form, the plant is literally embedded in the countryside, its inner workings hidden under a grassy roof. Created from a landscape concept, the plant's green roof integrates seamlessly into the park and nearby lake with meadow and wetland varieties of plants. A landscaped pedestrian channel runs through the center of the plant, drawing visitors with floor-to-ceiling glass facades that put the water reclamation process on public display. Various stories about the water cycle can be seen here, from the cleansing process taking place inside to the journey of the rainwater outside.

The design cuts into the landscape to look within, creating a contrast between the natural water cycle and the physical processes that support our communities. Creating public appeal around a public utility, the design allows visitors to form a personal connection to how their community uses and reuses natural resources. The facility is part of a 50-hectare, 1 billion-DKK masterplan, the Solrødgård Climate, and Environment Park, which aims to spark local conversations on resource use and climate awareness by creating public appeal within a municipal infrastructure. Designed to support future growth in and around Hillerød, the water treatment plant provides recreation, a connection to nature, and an everyday education in climate awareness.