Local entrepreneurs – backed by GrønlandsBANKEN – will soon open their second hotel in Sisimiut.
The construction showcases new methods in Arctic building and may pave the way for increased tourism in Greenland’s second-largest town.
By Morten Bøcker
Sisimiut is known for unique year-round experiences, including dog sledding, world-class nature and snowmobile tours, heli-skiing, guided hikes, fishing, fjord and sea boat trips, and not least the international cross-country ski race Arctic Circle Race.
Tourism is becoming increasingly important for the town, and this summer marks another step in supporting that development. A new hotel featuring the highly sought-after hotel apartments will open its doors to tourists and other guests. Behind the project are the married couple Anette Grønkjær Lings and Bo Lings, who already operate Hotel Sisimiut.
With GrønlandsBANKEN as their financial advisor, they made the final decision in 2023 on what to build on a plot they had acquired years earlier—where the first renovated building had been completely destroyed in an arson fire.
"Initially, we had plans for a conventional build, but it turned out that the price per square meter was far too high. So we began exploring alternative building methods and materials," says Bo Lings.
Organizationally, the developers also took a new approach, choosing to use smaller local craftsmen combined with a few subcontractors, while managing construction and quality control themselves.
"The project is too large for the smaller local companies on its own, but in this way, we can support them. I sense a great deal of pride in contributing to a worthwhile project," says Bo Lings.
DKK 100 million allocated for development in Greenland
For GrønlandsBANKEN, the hotel project in Sisimiut is an example of how the bank wants to support development and tourism across Greenland—not just in towns with new Atlantic airports.
"We want to offer our expertise to developers and engage in close partnerships through advising, construction loans, ongoing dialogue, and financing opportunities," says Jesper Overgaard Sørensen, Head of Property Financing at GrønlandsBANKEN.
He explains that the bank has, in its latest financial report, allocated DKK 100 million in loans as Growth Capital for the tourism sector on especially favorable terms. Developers are encouraged to engage in dialogue about their projects.
Bo Lings speaks highly of his cooperation with GrønlandsBANKEN:
"We are very satisfied with the collaboration, the advice, and the ongoing dialogue with the bank. Our project and budget were received very professionally," says Bo Lings.
"Sisimiut is an entrepreneurial town, and there is a need for more accommodations, especially in the high season during summer. We have a strong partnership with the Grønkjær Lings Group," says Jesper Overgaard Sørensen.
Groundbreaking foundation method
When tourists and business guests move into the apartments, they’ll be staying in a hotel supported by steel pillars rather than the traditional concrete foundation.
"On this plot, it’s ten meters down to solid bedrock, and a conventional strip foundation would have required a massive excavation and large amounts of concrete," explains Bo Lings.
"So we imported a method from Norway, which has been used for decades in construction on bedrock with soil layers and permafrost."
"The steel pillars are encased in an outer shell of corten steel, filled with plastic concrete, and drilled about two meters into the bedrock at precise angles. Above the pillars lies an elevated and double-insulated ground deck," says Bo Lings.
The entire building is inorganic, eliminating risks of moisture, mold, and fire. Among other things, facade elements are used to eliminate thermal bridges and ensure high insulation levels.
Guests will also benefit from excellent indoor air quality thanks to a central ventilation system with heat recovery.
Additionally, the hotel boasts extreme energy efficiency. The U-value is 0.11, equivalent to 500 mm of traditional mineral wool insulation.
Truly the perfect place to kick back with your feet up and a hot cup of cocoa after an eventful day of dog sledding, cross-country skiing, or fishing.