Trifolium
Revitalizing a historic landmark
The historic Trifolium Milk Supply factory is being carefully transformed through adaptive reuse, evolving into a vibrant hub for crafts, design, and art businesses. Originally Copenhagen’s largest milk distribution center, the site is undergoing a sustainable renovation with a strong focus on material reuse, honoring its long history while ensuring an environmentally resposible transformation. The building’s original structure, constructed with some of the most durable materials of its time, forms the foundation for its next chapter.
A new future for a historic space
Trifolium’s transformation is a testament to the potential of adaptive reuse, preserving historical identity while creating a dynamic and sustainable environment for creative industries. By integrating thoughtful design, sustainability, and environmentally responsible transformation, the project ensures that Trifolium remains a landmark of innovation and craftsmanship for years to come.
Facts
-
Lead Consultant
Architect
Construction management
-
SJATOX A/S
-
Copenhagen, Denmark
-
13,500 m²
-
Completed between 2018 - 2023
Sustainability through smart design
The renovation follows a modular and industrial design approach, ensuring that all new building components are of high quality while supporting but also have future reuse potential. This strategy enhances both environmentally sustainability and economic viability, making it a smart long-term investment for the building’s owner.
Honouring the spirit of place
Alex Poulsen Architects has developed the overall sustainability strategy, architectural aesthetics, and graphic identity for the project, while also guiding concept development and the design of new expansions and renovations. The deep character of Trifolium has served as a catalyst for thoughtful design solutions, ensuring that all interventions through adaptive reuse, respect and enhance the existing historic environment.
Betafactory, a workshop for the future
With a modest budget, APA has established a modern production workshop, fostering a dynamic environment where creative professionals and makers can develop ideas and bring them to life. The space is designed for seamless workflow, encouraging a natural transition from concept sketches to physical execution, supported by shared machines and materials.
Fru Hansens Kælder, office & meeting spaces
A formerly underutilized office area has undergone a comprehensive modernization and expansion, transforming it into a highly functional workspace as part of a sustainable renovation. The renovation includes new windows, ceilings, walls, and floors, along with updated amenities such as toilets, showers, and a kitchen to improve daily operations.
Additionally, a second level has been introduced, effectively doubling the available space and providing new office and meeting rooms to accommodate a growing number of users. With access via both internal and external staircases, the redesigned layout enhances the workspace’s flexibility and usability, ensuring a more efficient and adaptable environment.
Graphic identity & Wayfinding
Graphic identity: a modern nod to history
Trifolium’s historical signage has been carefully reinterpreted to create a distinctive and recognizable graphic identity as part of the site’s environmentally responsible transformation. The original lettering from the building’s signage has been redrawn and adapted into a modern logo, with flexible variations that allow for offset alignments or multi-line configurations.
To further emphasize renewal while preserving heritage, the restored letters are mounted on offset square panels, creating a sculptural installation that signals the site's transformation. The color palette and graphic elements are rooted in Trifolium’s history, ensuring a visual language that resonates with its industrial scale and legacy.
Office leasing: modern spaces with character
A total of 2,300 square meters—including Fru Hansens Kælder—is available for administration and office leases, catering to both established and emerging businesses. The design celebrates the industrial character of the space by reusing existing materials, such as concrete, wood, and steel, while reinforcing principles of material reuse and introducing elements that enhance functionality and aesthetics.
The characteristic blue floors, inspired by Trifolium’s original color palette, visually connect the spaces, injecting energy and life into the interiors.
