Modernised barracks to safeguard the defence sector of the future
Mould and draughty windows are common challenges for many Danish soldiers. But a new defence settlement of DKK 155 billion over ten years means there is hope of creating better conditions for Danish soldiers – with a focus on reuse, modular buildings and the overall carbon accounts. This according to architecture, engineering and consultancy company Rambøll.
Working, exercising, relaxing, leisure time and personal life. Life at Danish barracks is about much more than gunpowder, bullets and military training. For many Ministry of Defence employees, the barracks are their primary place to be both during working hours and when they have time off. For this reason, it is crucial to ensure that the physical framework of the barracks supports the needs of Danish soldiers – whether they are in uniform or not. This is what Trine Bindslev Tree, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Rambøll has to say:
"The armed forces are an important part of our common security and the barracks constitute both a workplace and a home for a large number of people who play a crucial role in keeping us safe. In order for our soldiers to perform, we need to strive to provide them with the best possible conditions," she says and continues:
"Somewhere it's enjoyable to be, train and relax. With space to be alone, a comfortable indoor climate and acoustics that provide peace rather than distraction. Being conscripted for national service or employed by the armed forces is not something you 'should have to put up with', it should be a workplace you want to be part of."
The Confederation of Danish Industry has proposed that the armed forces, DI and an expert group consisting of architects and consultancy firms draw up a comprehensive playbook for how to tackle this major construction project. Together with her colleagues at Rambøll Danmark A/S, Trine Bindslev Tree has made her knowledge and advice available to the armed forces precisely for the purpose of setting new standards for Danish barrack buildings.
As well as overcoming the obvious challenges such as mould and draughty windows, the engineering, architectural and consultancy company also believes it is necessary to look at how barracks can be optimised and adapted to meet current and future requirements.
Balanced consumption in mind
In the work to make barracks more attractive, Trine Bindslev Tree notes the importance of taking a holistic approach at an early stage in the process.
"The uniqueness of the barracks and the armed forces is that it is a material-heavy institution and there is a lot of destruction associated with military activities. Not only when it comes to the environment, but also when it comes to social and economic aspects.
This balancing act may prove difficult, but it is also necessary to succeed with the modernisation." The Confederation of Danish Industry has proposed establishing an expert group consisting of the armed forces, architects and consultancy firms, who, together, will draw up a playbook for the upcoming barrack buildings – an idea that is welcomed by Rambøll.
"At Rambøll, we have many years of experience with major construction projects that require expertise in construction, supply and infrastructure and, as in other major public sector buildings, we can help set new standards," explains Bindslev Tree and continues:
"There is no perfect solution and we always have to compromise, we need to look at each project to determine requirements relating to the environmental footprint and indoor climate, but it is important that this is discussed prior to the project launch so that we can make sensible choices and remember our shared responsibilities."
Reuse and modular construction
Some of what can help create balance – at least in the carbon accounts – is circular construction and the use of biogenic building materials that originate from biological organisms such as wood, hemp and other plants. The transformation of existing buildings and reuse of building materials are also important and such solutions are high on the agenda for Rambøll:
"Starting from scratch and developing something completely new to replace the unfit buildings might seem like the simplest solution, but when you are building in quantities such as these, it is necessary to be mindful of the 2030 targets and consider: What can we use of the existing buildings and what can we extend the service life of, reuse or recycle?" Bindslev Tree asks and adds:
"It is important to focus on the optimisation of operations and energy, but we also need to look at carbon emissions during the construction phase. We will inevitably emit CO2, but how can we do this in the smartest and most limited way? We need to find the answer to this before starting these projects."
One way to future-proof the new barracks will be to consider flexibility and design for partitioning. This could be achieved through e.g. modular structures, screw foundations, flexible partition walls and movable toilet cores. This would provide the armed forces with flexibility that is not tied to a specific layout or location and allow for rebuilding and relocation throughout the country as needed – providing completely new opportunities compared to existing buildings.
"We cannot anticipate every single requirement for the barracks, but we can help with the preparations. There is a need for enormous scaling and this is something we need to be equipped for. By making smart choices, simplifying structures, designing for partitioning – modularly and circularly – we can develop a flexible, resilient building that can be used for many different purposes and relocated as needed. This is a completely new way of thinking about barrack buildings, but it could very well be the future," Bindslev Tree concludes.
