Case Study: COWI achieves high-performance, energy-efficient design for Axeltorv Square with IESVE

COWI - Customer Case Study

COWI worked with Integrated Environmental Solutions to support the design of Axeltorv Square in Copenhagen, a 42,000 m² mixed-use landmark with five circular office towers. The project’s complex geometry, central urban setting, and need for high performance low energy design created challenges around daylight, solar gains, cooling loads, and thermal comfort.

Using Integrated Environmental Solutions’ IES Virtual Environment (IESVE), including ApacheSim and SunCast, COWI carried out whole-building energy and daylight analysis to refine facade insulation, glazing, ventilation, window placement, and shading. The simulations helped the team optimize the towers’ design, reduce cooling demand, and ensure the offices would meet current thermal standards while maintaining strong energy efficiency and indoor environmental performance.

COWI

Michael Jørgensen

Architectural Engineer