OpenDetail

Biogenic design solutions have the potential to transform the construction industry’s carbon footprint, but we lack knowledge on how to practically apply them. To bridge this gap, we’ve created OpenDetail — an open-source platform for biogenic construction details.

Project details

Typology

Climate adaptation

Status

Completed

Discipline

Research and innovation

OpenDetail is a crowd-sourced knowledge sharing platform that makes specialist insights on biogenic materials easily accessible. Designed to accelerate the adoption of biogenic materials in the construction industry, users can both contribute and download material detail drawings in an open format.

The tool compiles and publishes a comprehensive repository of the best practices for working with biogenic materials like timber, reed, hemp, clay, and mycelium, in both 2D and 3D formats. The database includes drawings of architectural details, extended with additional metadata such as: detailed specifications for construction, maintenance guidelines, u-values, fire ratings, Global Warming Potential, and liability concerns.

"We created this platform, because we need to share knowledge to change the way we build today. To speed up the use of low-emission solutions in the construction industry, knowledge must be available and accessible," says Katrine Juul, Lead Sustainability Architect, Henning Larsen.

Straw is found in abundance around the area of Sundby School, and has been used traditionally in local architecture. Much like wood, straw sequesters carbon, retains it for the lifespan of the building, and can be safely broken down back into nature. Rasmus Hjortshøj, 2023

“To speed up the use of low-emission solutions in the construction industry, knowledge must be available and accessible.”

Katrine Juul

Lead Sustainability Architect

Business Academy Copenhagen (EK), 2024

A network for knowledge sharing

OpenDetail offers collective and collaborative solutions to support a green transition in the architecture industry — slowing down construction’s huge environmental impact.

In collaboration with Business Academy Copenhagen (EK) and CHEVRANT, we are continually building this global network of bio-based knowledge sharing. Designed for students, practitioners, architects, engineers, and construction professionals, the platform brings together a diverse community to share knowledge, collaborate, and scale biogenic design solutions.

Rasmus Hjortshøj, 2022

An architectural drawing of Feldballe School’s extension. With the surface of its straw panels covered in clay, the structure’s roof made solely of timber, and a ventilation system filter made of seagrass, the school extension is built almost entirely of locally sourced, natural, and bio-based materials.

Rasmus Hjortshøj, 2022

Designed for growth

The development process included several key phases, including co-creation workshops to define design guidelines, sourcing or producing architectural detail drawings, and a peer-review process to ensure usability. Additionally, community engagement through discussions, debates, and webinars will raise awareness and foster active participation in and around the platform.

The database's open-source structure ensures scalability — growing in value as more users contribute to and benefit from its resources. Its online format allows for continuous updates, keeping the content relevant, impactful, and up to date on a global scale.

A mock-up construction detail of a CLT (cross laminated timber) external wall created for OpenDetail. Business Academy Copenhagen (EK), 2024

Designed for client AP Pension, Marmormolen, located in Copenhagen's Nordhavn neighborhood, is constructed out of CLT and Glulam, and set to become one of the largest timber structures in Denmark. Marmormolen serves as a prototype for future timber developments, with its solid wood material helping to absorb CO2, rather than emitting it. Rasmus Hjortshøj, 2023

Contact

All contacts

Lead Sustainability Architect

kaju@henninglarsen.com

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