Conversion and renovation of bathrooms in 318 residential units

AAB Department 23 is located in outer Østerbro in Copenhagen and consists of four classic perimeter blocks built in 1925. The department comprises a total of 388 dwellings, including 380 family homes and 8 youth homes. The bathrooms in one of the blocks were refurbished and fitted with new water and drainage installations in 2013. Nordstern will be responsible for the comprehensive conversion and renovation of the bathrooms in the remaining 318 dwellings.

The bathroom renovation is carried out as an integrated construction project with the aim of modernising the homes, improving the indoor climate, and reducing the consumption of water, heating, and electricity. Approximately 249 homes have bathrooms arranged within the original small toilet rooms; these will be converted by incorporating the former kitchen stair areas into the apartments. In the remaining 69 bathrooms, surfaces will be upgraded and new sanitary fixtures installed.

As part of the integrated collaboration, Nordstern has played an important role during the design phase to ensure that the selected solutions are buildable while also contributing optimally to value creation for each resident.

The integration of the kitchen staircases involves demolition of the existing kitchen stairs, removal of existing entrance doors, and relocation of stair windows. The affected sections will be bricked up using materials adapted to match the original façade expression. Where possible, new windows will be installed for the new bathrooms - these will be the only visible changes to the facades.

In connection with the conversion and renovation of the bathrooms, existing risers and soil stacks will be replaced, and new and improved ventilation will be installed to ensure a healthy, modern indoor climate and to prevent moisture and mould issues. The bathrooms will be fitted with new, energy-efficient installations and sanitary fixtures, contributing to reduced overall energy consumption and greater operational cost predictability for the property.

The project also includes a range of related building measures. Main staircases, doors, and attic spaces will be upgraded in terms of fire safety, including the installation of sprinklers in the main stairwells and the upgrading or replacement of entrance doors. As a result of incorporating the kitchen staircases, the main staircases will be extended to both the attic and basement, providing access to attic storage and to the courtyard via the basement.

The renovation is carried out with respect for the buildings’ heritage architecture and using sustainability-certified materials with a low environmental impact.