| |

EFFEKT Turns Traditional Gas Station Into an EV Charging Park

Denmark, a pioneer in sustainabilty, is now home to a groundbreaking approach to an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. EFFEKT, an innovative design studio based in Copenhagen, has transformed the conventional petrol (gas) station into a symbol of the future with the Better Energy Charge fast charging station in Sønderborg, Denmark.

The station, developed as the first pilot project for renewable energy company Better Energy, embraces a design that goes beyond functionality. Traditional petrol stations rely on carbon-intensive materials, like concrete, steel, asphalt, and glass, but Better Energy Charge integrates renewable and bio-based materials, permeable surfaces, and recreational spaces, fostering a synergy between technology, environmental consciousness, and renewable energy.

A circular building with benches and trees, perfect for a quick stop or relaxation.

The structure’s organic shape is not only visually appealing but also serves as a powerful symbol, signaling the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Inspired by curved streets, the design captures the essence of the station’s primary function while showcasing a commitment to sustainability. “We wanted the pavilion’s design to be organic and inviting, much like Danish furniture classics. We have used nature’s own materials – the construction is built in cross-laminated timber, which binds CO2 from the atmosphere throughout its entire lifespan,” EFFEKT co-founder Sinus Lynge says.

A curved wooden bench is located in front of a building.

An aerial view of a parking lot with parked cars, some of which are charging.

One notable feature is the station’s integration with local eco-systems, creating habitats for wildlife and plants. As spring arrives, a variety of wild meadow flora will grow and surround the charging park, providing patrons a slice of nature in the city. Lynge emphasizes the harmony between technology and nature, suggesting that architecture and infrastructure can be means to redesign human-nature relationships.

gif of a changing car park with greenery and plants growing over time

An aerial view of a parking lot with solar panels, creating a charging park.

A wooden building sits in the middle of a grassy field.

A wooden structure with benches and plants in front of a charging park.

Their commitment to sustainability extends to the station’s lifecycle, by using mass timber to minimize waste. The structure’s modular grid system allows for easy expansion or reduction, reflecting adaptability to different site requirements. It also enables the disassembly and repurposing of building components, contributing to a circular economy.

A wooden pavilion where people are sitting, resembling a charging park.

A wooden charging park with a circular roof.

Better Energy Charge incorporates a dynamic pricing structure, incentivizing users to charge their vehicles during peak times for renewable energy. This not only offers cost savings to users but also addresses long-standing issues such as energy storage, ensuring that the energy powering EVs is genuinely green.

A circular wooden charging park with benches.

A wooden structure with people walking underneath it in the park.

Moreover, the station provides more than just essential charging facilities. It includes “quality services and recreational areas in natural surroundings for drivers and passengers to rest and relax,” says Lynge. The station’s eco-friendly features, such as a green sedum roof, flower beds, and permeable paving, blur the boundaries between green surroundings and driving areas.

Visitors can access the green rooftop for a view of Better Energy’s R&D solar park or explore the showroom for more information on renewable energy.

A circular walkway with benches and trees for relaxation.

As the world looks toward a greener future, this charging park serves as a beacon, demonstrating that thoughtful design can redefine our relationship with both technology and the environment.

For more information on the Better Energy Charge, visit effekt.dk.

Photography by Rasmus Hjortshøj.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Similar Posts

  • Bali Bamboo Jungle House is a Wanderlust Dream Retreat

    There are few occasions when you feel like packing your bags and taking the next flight to a destination as soon as you see the image of an amazing getaway. The Bamboo House in Bali is one such amazing setting that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and ensures that you get the best possible views of the […]

    You’re reading Bali Bamboo Jungle House is a Wanderlust Dream Retreat, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

  • The Farm

    Jonathan Feldman and his wife Lisa Lougee were determined to create a contemporary, sustainable, and functional home for their family within the building constraints of urban San Francisco. The original structure, built in 1905, was a New England brick and shingle style residence sitting next to an overgrown lot. It was given the tongue-in-cheek name The Farm, due to the rarity of backyards and outdoor living spaces in the city. “We fell in love with the farmhouse charm of the home” says Jonathan, “Lisa and I enjoyed imagining how the house must have looked out in the countryside of San Francisco in the 1900’s; we started joking around and calling it The Farm and it stuck!” To further the play on the home’s name, the Feldman family often lovingly refers to their band of rescue animals as their “flock.” In order to transform the older house into an outstandingly sustainable, modern home, the structure was essentially rebuilt from the inside out. The clients both loved the character and grace of the older home and wanted to preserve its visual continuity; their excitement towards the historic home combined with their conflicting design styles ultimately directed the course of the home’s restoration. Before the ambitious remodel, the house was a closed-off box. The new design opened the floor plan, flooding the interiors with natural light through a new central stair topped with expansive skylights. The basement was also transformed to include what is now a usable rear yard & deck. The house achieved LEED Platinum with an abundance of sustainable features, many of which are subtly hidden. Two types of water re-use systems were implemented on the property; rain water and grey water harvesting, with the tanks concealed below the rear deck. An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) system provides the home with clean air without energy loss. All materials are sustainably sourced and non-toxic and the house also features water and electricity monitoring, easily accessible by panels throughout the home and smartphone technology. By striving for excellence in sustainable architecture while incorporating the design aesthetics of all members involved, the team for The Farm has been able to create an elegant structure perfectly fitting for unique and forward-thinking San Francisco.