DGNB Gold Certification using select building materials

The Håndværkskollegiet in Herning is an extraordinary residential and community project for young craftspeople. The architecturally striking building offers living spaces, workshops, and communal areas, blending modern Scandinavian design with traditional craftsmanship values.

The project was awarded DGNB Gold certification, including the Diamond Award—one of the highest ratings for sustainable and architecturally sophisticated buildings in Scandinavia. This was based on a holistic approach to ecological, economic, and social sustainability, as well as consistently high-quality architectural execution.

Requirements and Challenges

The goal of the project was to create a durable and sustainable living space with a high quality of life. Materials with proven durability, a healthy indoor climate, and low resource and energy consumption played a central role in this.

A key design element of the building is the consistent use of high-quality clinker surfaces both indoors and outdoors. The architecture combines natural materials such as wood, clinker, and exposed surfaces to create a warm yet robust overall effect. Particularly in the common areas, a high-quality, durable, and sustainable jointing solution was required that meets the high standards of DGNB certification.

ROMEX® Solution

ROMPOX® - ECOFINE was used for grouting the clinker surfaces—a particularly sustainable paving joint mortar that was ideally suited to the high requirements of the DGNB Gold-certified project with Diamond Award. The product consists of up to 98% renewable, sustainable, or recycled raw materials and has already been honored with two sustainability awards. Thus, ROMPOX® - ECOFINE not only met the functional requirements for a durable jointing solution but also made an important contribution to the building’s sustainable material concept.

In addition to its ecological qualities, ROMPOX® - ECOFINE offers clear technical advantages. The bonded joint permanently prevents weed growth, thereby significantly reducing maintenance requirements. At the same time, it helps stabilize the paving surface—provided the subbase is professionally constructed, as the joint can only be as effective as the structure in which it is embedded. Thanks to its water permeability, it also supports the drainage of surface water, thereby contributing to soil de-sealing and responsible water management.

Especially at the Håndværkskollegiet, where sustainability, material quality, and durability are central components of the architectural concept, ROMPOX® - ECOFINE fits seamlessly into the project’s holistic vision.