The new protection against rising sea levels (the Urban
Højvandsskærm©) at Lemvig Harbour consists of a curved wall (also
known as Le Mur), which has been built from specially designed
concrete elements. The wall has been tailored for use in
urban landscapes at risk of flooding. There will be many
possibilities for passage via openings that can be closed with
sliding gates during extreme weather. On a daily basis, the wall
will serve as a sort of urban furniture in front of the harbour
area, and with its curves and angles the wall will divide the large
area into smaller urban spaces.
The wall functions optimally against sea levels of between 80cm
and 120cm; the level against which existing low-lying areas of the
town commonly need protection. Students from the local school will
produce the specially designed furniture that can be fitted to the
wall.
The Urban Højvandsskærm© system with its concrete elements,
gates and urban furniture has been developed by Hasløv &
Kjærsgaard, Oranje Beton, COWI, WoodPro and the local forge and
refrigeration company Lemvig Maskin- og Køleteknik.
"We could have chosen to establish a dam further out at sea,
however we preferred to approach the issue of changing sea levels
as something to take advantage of; as an opportunity for making the
harbour more organic and retaining the close link between the sea
and the town and its inhabitants. By building the curved wall we
will change the look of the harbour as well as its function, as we
will leave space for new activity," said Michael Haustorp.
In addition to the curved wall, floating bridges will be
established for guesting yachtsmen. The pier has therefore been
extended by 40 metres, so that it functions as an effective
breakwater. Also here, the recreational element has been
incorporated in the solution, in that the pier has been equipped
with peephole benches where people can sit protected from the
wind.
"With the new wall against elevated sea levels, there is
opportunity for Lemvig Harbour to again become an asset for the
town and the municipality, providing a space for recreational
activities for individuals, as well as for businesses which are
showing renewed interest in using the harbour ," said Michael
Haustorp.
The peephole benches on the eastern pier.