Werk and Snøhetta have won a competition to design a new maritime centre in Esbjerg, Denmark, with a design that will resemble a glowing lantern on the edge of the town's harbour.

Lanternen (or "Lanterns") is designed to be a new landmark for the coastal community, providing a connection between the sea and the town and acting as a hub for the many activities that take place in and around the harbour.

The building will accommodate multiple watersports clubs, boat storage, training facilities, a large workshop and social spaces.

Built from wood, its circular structure has windows around its exterior and a large expanse of glazing facing out to the water, which will make it reminiscent also of a lighthouse when it is illuminated at night.

An enclosed hall on the building's lower level houses practical facilities, while an open-air space on its upper level, sheltered by the building's circular exterior, provides a common social space and terrace.

Explaining its decision, the competition jury said: "The proposal excels in the finest way by combining the wish of fascinating and innovating architecture with a high level of functionality and the intention of creating a frame, supporting the community and creating a new togetherness between everyone involved.

"Overall the proposal is evaluated to balance aesthetics, rawness and robust functionality in a very beautiful combination specifically made for Esbjerg, the new context and the tough climate and for that reason is evaluated as meeting the wishes of the competition program in an excellent way.

"The proposal has, with a firm grip, created a unifying and identity creating building."

The Lantern is expected to be built in 2021.