FREDENSBO DEPT. 5

Balconies in Ultra High Performance Concrete add character to large-scale renovation

Build Year

2022–2024

Architect

Arkinord Arkitekter A/S

Entrepreneur

Arne Andersen Vrå A/S

Engineer

DAI A/S

Builder

Boligforeningen Fredensbo (Housing Association Fredensbo)

RENOVATION WITH BALCONIES IN UHPC

Over the past few years, housing association Fredensbo’s Dept. 5 in Brønderslev, Denmark, has undergone an extensive renovation. The development, originally built between 1946 and 1950, consists of 94 apartments spread across nine blocks with varying appearances. One thing they all had in common: none of them previously had balconies.

It was important for the project to meet the modern tenants' needs for private outdoor spaces, which led to the decision to install balconies. Hi-Con contributed to the project by supplying slender balconies made of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). The balconies were designed to complement the diverse façades of the existing buildings while still creating a unified and cohesive appearance across the development.

By using UHPC, Hi-Con ensured that the new balconies not only enhanced the visual appeal of the buildings but could also be mounted directly onto the original façades, without placing unnecessary load on the structure.

"We already have balconies from Hi-Con in another department, so we know the product very well and felt that the slim, maintenance-free balconies would be a perfect fit for the comprehensive renovation plan we’re currently carrying out in our Dept. 5. The buildings were originally constructed in the 1940s, and Hi-Con’s balconies help give the blocks character."

Dorte Nielsen,

Property Manager, Housing Association Fredensbo

A BALCONY SOLUTION THAT ADDS EXTRA SPACE

For the Fredensbo Dept. 5 project, Hi-Con delivered 74 balconies in multiple variations – all in grey UHPC, CRC i2. The balcony slabs feature a one-way slope with a drip groove under the front edge and have a slab thickness of approximately 80–100 mm. Additionally, we delivered 124 slender columns, measuring 120 x 120 mm, also in grey UHPC CRC i2, to support the balcony slabs.

"The balconies stand out for their aesthetic and design. The slim 90 mm balconies look great and enhance the building’s appearance – all without requiring maintenance." – Carsten Leth, Project Manager, Arne Andersen Vrå A/S

Thanks to their slim design, the balconies allow for larger dimensions without overloading the building’s structure. They provide more usable space for each apartment and better outdoor living opportunities in multi-story buildings.

Hi-Con’s balconies have a lifespan of over 100 years and are fire-rated without the need for fireproof coatings. We also provide an EPD for our balconies, which you can find here.

A STRONG PARTNERSHIP

When Hi-Con joins a construction project as a subcontractor, we offer a complete solution, including consultancy, design, production, and delivery. This allows us to help clients avoid unnecessary coordination between trades and save both time and resources.

At Fredensbo Dept. 5, the collaboration with both the contractor and client has been very positive.

"We’ve had a really good and close collaboration with Hi-Con, where we’ve experienced great understanding of our wishes and needs. For instance, we got balconies with channels that allow water to drain directly into the downpipe. The balconies also arrive ready to be installed, which is a clear advantage for our schedule." – Lars Bang Sørensen, Project Manager, Arne Andersen Vrå A/S

Read more about our solutions in UHPC here