# Kengo Kuma Designs Brick-Clad Water Culture House on Copenhagen's Paper Island Five irregular brick towers define a new 5,800-square-meter public waterfront bathing facility. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4c341821-0b45-408a-9c5d-d7485db1b2ec ## Waterfront Urban Transformation The KAI Water Culture House, located on Copenhagen’s Paper Island, represents a significant shift from industrial utility to public recreation. Scheduled to open on December 5th, 2026, the 5,800-square-meter facility occupies a prime harborfront position. This project transforms the former industrial site into a destination for community engagement and aquatic leisure activities. ## Monolithic Architectural Design Kengo Kuma Associates designed the structure with five irregular brick towers that appear to hover over a transparent glass base. The building utilizes approximately 300,000 handmade bricks in varying gray tones to reflect the surrounding harbor architecture. These sloping, textured surfaces create a unique silhouette that balances a monolithic presence with lightness. ## Integration of Natural Light The facade features 403 windows of varying sizes, strategically placed to optimize daylight penetration into the bathing chambers. These openings serve a dual purpose by illuminating the interior spaces while framing specific views of the city and harbor. The resulting atmosphere inside feels geological, with steep walls rising above the water surfaces. ## Innovative Valley Pool Concept A standout feature is the Valley Pool, an open-air basin located on the first floor between the five brick towers. This design allows visitors to swim while remaining exposed to the elements, including rain and snow. It creates a sheltered yet outdoor experience that connects bathers directly with the changing Copenhagen weather. ## Sustainable Thermal Systems The facility supports year-round operations through a ground-source heat pump system. This infrastructure utilizes ten boreholes extending 250 meters below ground to maintain water temperatures in both indoor and outdoor pools. This technical integration ensures that the heated onsen and other basins remain functional despite the harsh Nordic climate conditions. ## Diverse Aquatic Facilities The building houses ten distinct swimming pools distributed across multiple levels. Ground-level amenities include a 25-meter fitness pool, a teaching pool, and three children's pools. Upstairs, the facility offers warmer bathing areas, a cold plunge pool, saunas, and a steam bath, providing a comprehensive range of wellness services for all visitors. ## Collaborative Design Evolution The project originated from a 2015 city-led competition where residents requested public swimming facilities on Paper Island. Kengo Kuma Associates won the 2017 architectural competition, collaborating with Cornelius Vöge Atelier for Architecture and Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects. This decade-long development process highlights the successful realization of a community-driven vision for urban space. ## Future Public Connectivity Beyond the main building, a timber boardwalk will connect the facility to designated harbor swimming areas near the Royal Danish Playhouse. These additional public bathing zones are expected to open in early 2027. This expansion will further integrate the site into the city’s broader network of accessible waterfront recreational spaces. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-brick-towers-pools-copenhagen-bathhouse-water-culture-house-denmark/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._