Housing Construction Trends in Denmark

Current residential construction practices in Denmark have evolved in response to society's needs and goals and to developments in construction technology. In the 1970s the main emphasis was on the development of "low-and-dense" structures for new housing types. These years also focused on energy savings and alternative energy sources, and in the 1980s these efforts were extended to include the implementation of ecologically sound construction practices. At the same time, interest in the renewal of existing urban areas intensified, as did development of multi storey housing 3-4 stories high. In the 1990s, the traditional materials for housing structures, concrete and brick, have been supplemented by lighter materials. At the same time, ecological building materials and methods and the broad issue of construction productivity have been given top priority. Thus, in the years following the World War Two, Danish housing construction has seen significant changes in emphasis, from quantitative need to innovative planning and design to new materials and construction practices.