The purpose of this project is to realize The House of Water – a bold and visionary initiative that will anchor the future development of Pier 3 in Aarhus. With the generous support of the Grundfos Foundation, we are ready to begin the next critical phase: laying the foundation for an international hub that redefines how we engage with one of our planet’s most vital resources – water.

The initiative is closely connected to a growing international focus on water innovation. Aarhus has been selected as a central hub for EIT Water, a major European innovation initiative under the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). EIT Water brings together universities, companies and research organisations across Europe to accelerate solutions to global water challenges.

Over a period of up to 15 years, the initiative is expected to mobilize significant European funding for innovation, education and entrepreneurship programmes related to water – supporting projects and partnerships across multiple countries and regions. With Aarhus serving as an important location for this European initiative, the House of Water and the broader Pier 3 district are well positioned to become an international meeting point for collaboration, research and innovation in the water sector.

A Vision Rooted in Urgency and Opportunity

The Pier 3 district aspires to become a global beacon for sustainable water solutions. It is more than an idea – it will be a living lab, a place of action and co-creation, where water is not just a theme but a tool for education, innovation, recreation, and impact.

The heart of this vision is the House of Water – the central hub where research, education, technology, culture, and civic engagement come together. As we face increasing global pressures related to water scarcity, climate change, and biodiversity loss, this facility will serve as both a lighthouse and a laboratory, uniting actors across sectors and disciplines to shape solutions that matter locally and globally.

Together with leading partners from universities, industry and the water sector, the initiative aims to strengthen Aarhus’ role as a European centre for water innovation and collaboration.

What the House of Water Will Offer

Situated in the innovation district Pier 3 of Aarhus, the House of Water will provide:

• A testbed for innovation – where the full water cycle can be explored through testing and demonstration of cutting-edge water technologies.
• A dynamic gathering point – with laboratories, exhibitions, workspaces, and cultural areas for collaboration between researchers, businesses, utilities, municipalities, and citizens.
• An educational and experiential space – offering immersive opportunities for all ages to learn about water, sustainability, and the environment through play, experimentation, and storytelling.
• A catalyst for behavioral change – aiming to reshape how we, as individuals and societies, understand and manage water resources.

Beyond the building itself, the surrounding district will also serve as a large-scale demonstration area, where innovative water technologies can be integrated directly into urban infrastructure. This includes solutions related to water reuse, digital monitoring, climate adaptation and the circular use of water resources in buildings, public spaces and urban systems.

From Vision to Reality: What Comes Next

With support from the Grundfos Foundation, we are now developing the core foundation for the House of Water. This includes a solid operational model, a strong and committed partner group, and a compelling concept design aligned with the broader vision for the Pier 3 district.

At the same time, we are ensuring close integration with the development of the Pier 3 district, where a new waterfront neighborhood will gradually emerge with homes, workplaces and public spaces. The ambition is to create a vibrant urban environment where water innovation becomes visible and tangible in everyday life.

As planning progresses, the House of Water is expected to become a central landmark in this emerging district – helping to attract researchers, companies, students and international partners who are working to shape the water solutions of the future.

Partners

Project lead