Iconic building in white polished concrete elements

'The Iceberg' is the name of an architectural gem in Aarhus, Denmark, known for its unique design. The building, reminiscent of floating icebergs, consists of polished white concrete elements. This striking structure, with a total of 208 apartments, was jointly designed by Danish architectural firms CEBRA and JDS Architects, Dutch firm SeARCH and French firm Louis Paillard.

The environment

Aarhus Ø is a new and modern district in Aarhus, developed on a former container port site. With an area of 800,000 square meters, it is one of the largest waterfront development projects in Europe. The district is known for its architectural diversity, with impressive buildings between the canals, creating a lively maritime atmosphere. Aarhus Ø has cafes, stores, restaurants and residential areas, combining urban living with the charm of the sea. 

The building

Strategically positioned on its own bastion, The Iceberg has an elegant staircase leading to the water. The complex consists of three large L-shaped buildings and a fourth building on the south side. Thanks to the eleven sloping roofs with different heights, optimal light and views are guaranteed for all apartments, including those further from the waterfront. The roofs are clad in aluminum and the blue balconies are made of translucent materials, enhancing the visual impact of the building. Together, these elements create a dynamic look reminiscent of floating icebergs. The Iceberg has received several prestigious awards, including "Best Residential Project" at MIPIM in Cannes and "Residential Mid Rise" at the Architizer A+ Awards in 2013, highlighting its architectural importance. 

The concrete

The building's facades consist of 685 unique white concrete elements, polished to a smooth and shiny surface reminiscent of a shimmering iceberg. The total facade area is more than 16,000 square meters. The concrete was designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions because of the building's coastal location. It is made of white cement from Aalborg Portland and white marble aggregates from Greece. The white cement is sulfate resistant due to its low content of clinker mineral C3A, which ensures high durability. In addition, the concrete 6% contains air thanks to a bubble-forming additive, which creates microscopic air bubbles. This allows ice to form without causing harmful pressure, preventing frost damage.

Aesthetic durability

Even more than a decade after construction, the concrete facades of The Iceberg are flawless. This durability is mainly due to the polished surfaces, which prevent dirt and algae growth. In addition, water runoff from the roofs and balconies along the facades is effectively prevented by specially designed screening strips, preventing streaking and discoloration. The facades show no signs of weather or seawater damage. The Iceberg stands as a beacon in Aarhus Ø and symbolizes a harmonious balance between innovative architecture and respect for the environment. It sets new standards for modern housing quality and aesthetics and influences urban development in Denmark and Europe.