The 92 flats and rowhouses in the Resource Rows demonstrates that it is possible to reuse bricks from new buildings and waste wood without compromising on costs and aesthetics. The result is a project that saves CO2 and materials and creates strong communities among the people living in it – and it doesn’t cost more.

Recycling of bricks and other building materials is nothing new. It was only with the development of new, harder, cement-based mortar in the 1960s that bricks could no longer be recycled efficiently.

The scheme is arranged around a shared courtyard and roofscape. A significant and innovative concept in the project is to reuse brick facades from abandoned structures in the new building.

On the shared roof space, 29 residents’ greenhouse huts, used for cultivating fruit and vegetables or just to relax,

creates an instant community feel – the structures are made of recycled glass and window frames. Even the concrete TT beam-bridge across the courtyard connecting the two parallel terraces roof-to-roof is recycled, from a VAX factory nearby.

The courtyard and roofscape is a natural meeting place and tie the project together. “We tell everybody about it. We’re proud of the history of the project. You take ownership of it.” Birgitte and Kim said about living in the Resource Rows from the book Solution.

Sustainability is still considered as an adding cost factor. It doesn’t matter how good a design is; it will never be part of the solution unless it becomes cost-neutral, cheaper, or adds value to the project from day one. The Resource Rows did not cost more to build and is one of the most popular rentals and fast occupied projects in Ørestad.