The extension to Nykredit consists of a new building – the Crystal – sited northwest of the existing Nykredit ”The cube” premises. Freestanding on the site, it reads as a transparent, geometrical, glazed form, which, resting only on a single point and line, ‘floats’ as a visually light, crystalline structure above the plaza – a crystal.

In terms of both form and scale, the building is intermediate between the city and the harbour, and harmonizes with neighbouring buildings. On the southern side it rises with reference to the gable apex of the Elephant House and creates space for the main entrance. From the corner of Puggard Street and Hambro Street, there is passage under the building and a clear view out towards the head office building of Nykredit, dubbed the Glass Cube, and the harbour. The interior of the building is constrained by the demands of functionality, flexibility and efficiency. The typical floor plan is disposed in a Z-shape around two atria, which ensures that all workstations are well lit and enjoy a view. The disposition of the plan allows the accommodation of open plan or separate offices or meeting rooms. The building is primarily supported by a rhombic construction system placed immediately inside the façade. The system functions both as an architectural element while also allowing the building to dispense with pillars.

The building has an energy consumption of 70kWh/ m2, which is at least 25% lower than stipulated in the energy minimum standards. There is a strong focus on the integration of sustatinable elements in the building design as to live up to the new European energy laws for glass buildings. Thus solar cells, groundwater cooling as well as a sophisticated facade system are integrated in the building.