When architect Martin Borch designed Magasinbygningen between 1905 and 1907 as a book repository for the University Library, the aim was to create secure surroundings for historic writings. Today, the almost square building houses the University of Copenhagen’s central administration.

The transition from closed book repository to modern administrative workplace placed high demands on the interior design. Historic landmarks such as the striking granite spiral staircase and the building’s distinctive character required new room divisions to be integrated with the utmost respect for their surroundings.

Black lacquered profiles, high sound insulation and full transparency 

• Strong acoustic partition: The walls are built with 17.52 mm toughened and laminated safety glass with polished edges. The system achieves an overall sound reduction of approx. Rw 40 dB — ideal for confidential conversations and focused work in an open environment.
• Uninterrupted view: The vertical joints are sealed with clear silicone, creating an almost invisible and elegant transition between the glass panels.
• Thorough safety: The glass partitions are fitted with full-height foil markings in accordance with applicable requirements in the Danish Building Regulations and SBI guidelines.
• Guaranteed quality: Everything has been supplied as a factory-made, integrated system and installed precisely according to approved drawings and specifications.

Custom doors for angled walls and curved ceilings

The greatest challenge of the project lay in the building’s complex geometry. On the 8th floor in particular, the architecture featured curved ceilings with rounded corners as well as angled exterior walls with extremely limited space.

This required extraordinary customisation of the door solutions. Our flush acoustic doors with slim timber frames and fixed top panels had to be manufactured with both curved and angled cuts, allowing them to follow the room’s irregular angles and ceiling shapes precisely — without compromising either acoustic tightness or the clean visual lines.

Carefully planned installation logistics and considerate execution on the 8th floor

The location on the 8th floor in a courtyard in central Copenhagen also presented a significant logistical challenge, where moving materials into place required sharp coordination between all trades.

The installation itself was planned using manageable glass sizes to protect the newly renovated rooms, ensuring that the work could be carried out safely and without risk of damage to existing building elements.

Shall we discuss your next project?

Do you have a project where architecture, acoustics and logistics need to come together? 

Contact our DEKO advisors directly on +45 43 55 77 11, and we will help find the right glass and spatial solution for your building.