Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup

Press Release

Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup Adorns New Buildings with Birch Tree Branches on Glass Facades

The Capital Region of Denmark has recently constructed two new buildings at Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup (Psychiatric Centre Ballerup). One of the most striking features of the buildings is the multitude of ceramic-printed birch tree branches and leaves on 50 façade glass panels supplied by Glaseksperten.

Nature is a balm for the soul, and in two newly built walkways connecting outpatient clinics at Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup, innovative methods have been employed to bring nature inside while still maintaining privacy. Inspired by the surrounding green landscape, white birch branches with leaves have been printed on the glass facades, delivered by Glaseksperten.

“We wanted to achieve a shielding effect without traditional solutions like blinds that block out light. The white ceramic-printed glass acts as partial screening, making it difficult for the eye to focus on what lies behind the glass. Additionally, the print only covers less than half of the glass, allowing as much light as possible to pass through,” explains Camilla Seidel, architect MAA from AG5 and project consultant. She adds:

“One of the advantages of ceramic printing is the ability to create a unique, identity-giving design that reflects the building's purpose and location with light, space, and green surroundings. To the south, sunlight is filtered, creating a play of shadows that changes with the weather and seasons, giving the facades a natural, dynamic sense of place.”

Last year, the Capital Region of Denmark installed a similar façade solution with glazed units and birch print for a new reception building at Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup, and Glaseksperten notes that this solution is often well-received:

“Once customers experience the possibilities and benefits of printed glass, they often return for new projects. This has been the case at Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup, where we have delivered an additional 50 triple-glazed units covering an area of 120 square metres. Besides their aesthetic qualities, the glass panels are also toughened and laminated, providing enhanced strength and high personal safety,” says Jess Gregersen, Sales Director at Glaseksperten.

The two new buildings are situated between two existing single-storey structures from the 1950s and are designed as a steel pergola structure framing a light glass façade. The hallway faces north, with glass panels running the full length to emphasise the connection between buildings and create a bright passage. The outpatient clinics face south, overlooking a planted area at the rear, with the façade combining glass panels and solid sections.

The project has recently been completed and will be ready for use by mid-December.

Project name
Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup

Location
Ballerup

Type
Renovation

Products
Individual glazed units with digital ceramic print.
Individual glazed units with coloured interlayer and digital ceramic print. 
Triple-glazed units, toughened laminated with high personal safety.

Architect:
AG5

Photo:
Camilla Seidel
Hampus Per Berndtson
Lars Ditlev Pedersen