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In addition to being the world’s leading pump manufacturer, Danish company Grundfos plays a key role in addressing global water and climate challenges. That commitment is clearly reflected in the company’s new global headquarters, currently under construction in Bjerringbro, Denmark.

Last week, the project was officially introduced under the headline “New Grundfos HQ.” Water is at the heart of Grundfos – and it will also be a defining element of the new headquarters. Here’s a unique look at the vision behind this ambitious development.

The project is designed by the Danish architecture firm AART, which has offices across Scandinavia, employs more than 250 people, and is known for projects such as “Postbyen” in Copenhagen and “Stavanger Universitetssygehus”.

Kjeld Schmidt Christensen, Head of Facility at Grundfos, shares the vision for the new global headquarters, which will remain in Bjerringbro:

“From the very first ideas to build a new headquarters, we have focused on meeting the highest standards of sustainability and work environment. With help from the talented architects at AART, engineers from NIRAS, and our contractor MT Højgaard, we look forward to a headquarters that, beyond being designed to bring us closer together and inspire collaboration, is also state-of-the-art in water and energy consumption.”

Grundfos was born in Bjerringbro — and they don’t forget their roots, even as a global company. That’s why the headquarters stays in town, but with a fresh approach: the project adds recreational elements that enhance local nature and biodiversity while improving employee well-being.

As Grundfos themselves put it:

“Amidst the beautiful landscape, an iconic round wooden building will rise — a new landmark for Grundfos, and a physical embodiment of the company’s values and ambitions; rooted in Bjerringbro and Grundfos’ history, yet forward-looking in its architectural, landscape, and sustainable strategy.”

Anders Tyrrestrup, architect and founding partner at AART, explains:

“Grundfos Global Headquarters will be a prime example of how architecture can actively serve as a catalyst for positive change. We are using architecture strategically to support Grundfos’ development and business strategy. Our long-standing close dialogue with Grundfos has given us deep insight into their mission and vision, providing the best foundation to create optimal physical spaces for Grundfos’ leadership as they work to solve global water and climate challenges.”

Water is integrated into both the building and the landscape. An advanced water strategy ensures rainwater is collected, recirculated, and reused.

Tyrrestrup adds:

“Grundfos Global Headquarters is a project where we have taken a long-term, holistic approach to balancing impact and contribution. This includes building with wood, reforestation and nature restoration, water management, energy consumption, and importantly, focusing on work environment, people, and behavior. We’ve incorporated the latest research on social commissioning, activity-based working, and architecture’s effect on wellbeing, productivity, and creativity.”

Poul Due Jensen, CEO of Grundfos and family member, is planting the first tree on the far right alongside other representatives from the company and the foundation. Photo: Rasmus Reimer Larsen

Nature and sustainability are central to the new Grundfos Global Headquarters. Around 4,000 trees will be planted as part of a large-scale reforestation effort to boost biodiversity and create a recreational environment around the headquarters.

The project also restores historic watercourses and embraces ‘rewilding’ to strengthen the local ecosystem. According to AART, these initiatives significantly reduce the climate footprint while fostering an inspiring work environment close to nature.

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