Green Solution House 2.0 by 3XN and GXN: Denmark’s First Full Timber Hotel Sets a New Sustainability Benchmark

Location: Rønne, Bornholm Island, Denmark Architects: 3XN and GXN Year of Completion: 2021 Project Type: Eco-Hotel, Sustainable Architecture Area: 1,035 m² Photography: © Adam Mørk Engineering: ABC Award: Årets Byggeri 2022 – Building of the Year, Denmark

A New Chapter in Sustainable Hospitality Architecture

Green Solution House 2.0, designed by acclaimed Danish firms 3XN and its sustainability-focused sister studio GXN, is a pioneering hotel located in Rønne, on the idyllic island of Bornholm. This groundbreaking project stands as Denmark’s first full timber hotel, redefining what eco-conscious architecture can achieve through circular design, carbon-negative materials, and passive environmental strategies.

Rooted deeply in the principles of Cradle-to-Cradle design, this 1,035-square-meter hotel elevates green building beyond functional performance—turning the structure itself into an educational and experiential narrative for sustainable living.

Timber as Structure, Cladding, and Insulation

Chosen for its exceptional environmental credentials, timber serves as the primary material across the structure. The building’s skeleton, façade, and insulation are all composed of cross-laminated timber (CLT), celebrated for its carbon-sequestering properties, light weight, and warm aesthetics.

Prefabricated CLT panels were manufactured off-site and assembled with precision, minimizing waste, reducing construction time, and limiting on-site emissions. The exposed timber is both structural and decorative, revealing the beauty and logic of sustainable architecture.

Passive Systems and Material Innovation

The hotel’s design aligns fully with passive design strategies:

• Natural ventilation replaces mechanical HVAC systems.
• Skylights and strategic glazing maximize daylighting, reducing energy use.
• Thermal efficiency is optimized through the mass and insulation of the CLT.

Bespoke details are integrated directly into the prefabrication process. Features like laser-cut ventilation grills and custom wall joints emphasize how advanced digital fabrication allows for tailored environmental solutions at a fraction of the typical cost.

In a notable display of circular thinking, material offcuts from the CLT panels were repurposed into custom-made furniture, reinforcing a holistic design ethic where nothing goes to waste.

Interior Experience: A Dialogue Between Nature and Architecture

Inside, the warm tones of exposed timber extend a sense of calm and domesticity throughout the guest rooms and communal areas. The architectural language is quiet yet confident, prioritizing sensory connection to nature. The interior layout orients guests toward views of the surrounding forest, and openable windows allow direct engagement with the environment.

This natural integration continues on the rooftop spa and terrace, where guests can unwind while enjoying views of the native woodland. Materials such as recycled glass tiles from local sources further embed the project within the ecology and economy of Bornholm.

Award-Winning Environmental Leadership

In 2022, Green Solution House 2.0 was honored with Årets Byggeri (Building of the Year)—one of Denmark’s most prestigious architectural awards. The hotel is an evolution of the original Green Solution House built in 2015, also by 3XN/GXN, which itself won the same award in its time.

Together, the two projects form a living laboratory for sustainable construction and circular innovation, offering a template for future-forward hospitality design that responds to climate challenges without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

 A Showcase for Circular Architecture

Green Solution House 2.0 exemplifies a new frontier in sustainable architecture. Through the use of timber, passive design, upcycled materials, and an unwavering commitment to circular principles, 3XN and GXN demonstrate that environmentally responsible design is not only possible but beautiful and luxurious. This hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it's a visionary experience of living with nature in every architectural detail.