From tender to reality: Detailed design at Mølleholmen

Detailed design is the phase where a project truly takes shape. It is here that the noise barrier at Mølleholmen moves from a tender document with overall requirements and frameworks to a fully realizable project that can be manufactured, installed, and function in practice

22th of april 2026, Silkeborg – In the detailed design phase, the fundamental question is asked: Can it be done?
The answer lies in the details.

This is where the exact specifications of the steel structure are defined – down to bolts, screws, and fittings. Consideration is given to cables, installations, and everything the structure must avoid. At the same time, execution and working drawings are prepared, showing what is needed where and making the project unambiguous to work with.

Structure in complexity

To make a large and complex project manageable, the entire noise barrier is divided into systematic repetitions. All columns are assigned their own “name,” for example A1, A2, A3, and the barrier is divided into smaller sections consisting of columns with identical configurations.

This system makes it easier to:

Detailed design is therefore not just about drawing more, but about structuring the project so that complexity becomes manageable.

Fact box: What is detailed design?

Detailed design is the phase in which a project is made buildable.

Here, the requirements and principles from the tender material are translated into concrete solutions that can be manufactured and installed in practice.

In the detailed design phase:

  • precise constructions are defined down to bolts, screws, and fittings
  • execution and working drawings are prepared
  • it is defined what is needed where – and what the structure must avoid
  • the project is divided into systematic and repeatable elements to create clarity

At Mølleholmen, this means, among other things:

  • all columns are assigned their own designation (e.g. A1, A2, A3)
  • the noise barrier is divided into uniform “sections” of identical columns
  • complex solutions are structured so they can be executed safely and efficiently

Once the detailed design is approved by the Danish Road Directorate, production drawings are prepared – one for each column, cassette, fitting, and component. This is the final step before the project moves from drawing to production.

Experience enables focus on the unique

Although the noise barrier at Mølleholmen will reach heights of up to 9 metres, large parts of the project are based on solutions we have worked with before. This experience means that the project itself is not perceived as “risky,” even though the dimensions are unusual.

This allows project managers to focus on what makes Mølleholmen unique: the timber lamellas as a design element.

Here, lamellas are applied in layers. The inner lamellas are based on known solutions, simply at an unusual height, while the outer ones create a repeating soundwave pattern running along the entire barrier. This is a solution we have not implemented before, and therefore the detailed design phase has focused heavily on developing a simple and logical system that can be executed, delivered, and installed correctly every time.
In connection with the timber lamellas, we have worked closely with ALU+ to develop a robust trellis solution.

Our Project Manager, Peter, working on the Mølleholm-project

Additional loads and special structures

The project also includes several technical particularities. The taller noise barriers and elevated timber trellises introduce additional loads, especially where the barrier is installed on bridges. This places higher demands on dimensioning and detailing than typically seen for barriers of 2–4 metres.

In addition, two portals/underpasses are being constructed, where paths pass under the motorway while also supporting the noise barrier. These are structures we have experience with, but they require special attention to steelwork and connections. Therefore, additional project management expertise with this specific focus has been assigned.

The detailed design is carried out in close collaboration with ISC Consulting Engineers, who are responsible for drawings and calculations. The collaboration is based on many years of shared experience and a clear division of roles in a complex project.

Next step: Production drawings

Once the detailed design has been approved by the Danish Road Directorate, the project moves into the next phase. Here, the detailed drawings are converted into production drawings – one for each column, each cassette, each fitting, and each individual component.

This is the final step before the project leaves the drawing board and moves into production and installation.

For us, detailed design is about ensuring that the noise barrier can be built exactly as intended – safely, systematically, and with respect for both function and design.

From drawing to reality.

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