Student Accommodation from Effekt Architects

Harmonikahusene, a complex of two individual buildings in Frederiksberg near Copenhagen, took around seven years to design and build. The two buildings are known locally as Umeus (for: you, me, us) and Noli (for: Nordic Living). Effekt Architects built a total of 677 apartments for property investor NREP, including 519 student flats and 158 studio apartments, some of which are rented out fully or partially furnished.

Metal sheets with different profiles structure the street facades. © Yulia Kozlova

Frederiksberg is close to the centre of Copenhagen, but has always been an independent municipality. The buildings lining the central Åboulevard are mostly five to seven storeys high and date from the pre-war and inter-war periods, many with brick facades. They were an important source of inspiration for Effekt Architects – both for the closed facade without large projections and recesses, and for the colour of the facades. To allow more sunlight and views into the north-facing flats, the building line is folded like an accordion and has floor-to-ceiling windows. The courtyard facades are much quieter, with some of the apartments and communal areas opening onto balconies.

The facades, including the benches in front of them, significantly enhance the narrow student flats. © Yulia Kozlova

A ground floor with many communal areas connects Umeus and Noli. Effekt Architects' plans include a fitness centre, a café, a bicycle repair shop and rooms for co-working and co-cooking. On the upper floors there are also several common rooms and kitchens, some of which are spread over two floors.