Transforming Workspaces

Transforming Workplaces: Mastercard’s New Copenhagen Office

When a corporate headquarters is reimagined, the transformation is never only physical. It is cultural. It is architectural. It is strategic. And above all, it is an opportunity to rethink how people work, meet, and thrive together.

Such is the story behind Mastercard’s new offices in Ørestad, Copenhagen, where KLP Ejendomme initiated a full refurbishment and JJW Arkitekter shaped the vision. Kjær & Lassen Entreprise executed the transformation with precision, while Hørning contributed one of the most defining material elements: Castleplank in oak, Living grading.

A New Approach to Workplace Design

Modern workspace transformations focus on more than square metres and furniture layouts. Today’s offices must support hybrid work, concentration, collaboration, and well-being, all within the same architectural framework.

In this refurbishment, open zones and shared facilities were brought into the heart of the building, including four new tea-kitchens, acting as social anchors and informal meeting points. The redesign emphasises transparency, daylight, and improved acoustics, creating an environment that feels both generous and grounded.

Material Decisions That Shape Atmosphere

Choosing materials is one of the most powerful tools in workplace design. Wood, in particular, plays a growing role in contemporary offices as a tactile, calming, and sustainable element.

For the Mastercard project, HØRNING Castleplank in oak was selected for its wide proportions, natural warmth, and unique character. The Living grading brings subtle variation, allowing the floor to express the authentic depth of the material. Castleplank creates visual continuity across the building and helps define spaces without the need for walls or partitions.

Sustainability and Longevity at the Core

Renovation offers an opportunity to build more sustainably. Instead of constructing new square metres, existing structures are upgraded to meet modern requirements, a choice with both environmental and economic benefits.

Hørning’s solid wood floors are designed for longevity. They can be maintained, repaired, and refinished across generations, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic corporate environments. Combined with improved energy efficiency and upgraded interior layouts, the project demonstrates how workplace transformation can contribute positively to both climate and quality of life.

Craftsmanship Behind Every Detail

A successful refurbishment depends on collaboration between skilled professionals. In this project, the synergy between JJW Arkitekter’s vision, Kjær & Lassen Entreprise’s execution and Hørning’s material expertise is evident in every detail.

It is in the precision of each board.
It is in the acoustic comfort the floors help create.
It is in the way the office now supports the evolving needs of its users.

A Workspace Designed for the Future

Mastercard’s new Copenhagen office stands as an example of how thoughtful transformation can elevate existing architecture and redefine how people work. With quality materials, intelligent planning, and a focus on human experience, the project is a reminder that the future of work is not built from scratch, it is crafted from what we already have, refined for the generations ahead.

Photos by: Kjær & Lassen