Kim Lenschow . photos: © Hampus Berndtson
The plot is nestled between tall oak and beech trees in the surrounding Gurre forest, which shades much of the site from direct sunlight during the foliage season. A driving factor for the house’s design was to work with the varying views of the forest and create a sense of intimacy with the natural surroundings.
The stepping back of the house’s volumes creates niches both inside and outside, each with different orientations toward the forest. The niches double as open outside courtyards while defining smaller more private corners in the interior of the house.
The equal spatial volumes of the house creates a clear and readable rhythm that define the spatial layout of the house. Shifting the elevation of floor levels subdivides the open plan and create a variation of room heights that allow for flexibility and multiple uses.
A central courtyard, inspired by the way forest clearings let light filter through the canopy, draws natural light into the heart of the house. The central living area orients towards the forest floor, enhancing the connection to the natural environment.
The stepping back of volumes of the exterior translates to a spatial layering in the interior detailing. Rather than cutting straight through, the sections of the interior shift and step back at each layer, gradually revealing the next room while simultaneously exposing the layers of the wall’s construction. This stepped approach creates a sense of depth and focuses attention towards the material layers of the house’s construction.
The house is built from simple porous concrete blocks, with a timber frame resting on top. The industrial character of these materials contrasts with the natural forest setting, offering a robust backdrop suited to a variety of uses. The building achieves a transparency in construction through its clear tectonic language, where each architectural element, building block, and material is distinctly expressed and relatable in the final result.
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Year
2024
Location
Elsinore, Denmark
Photos
Hampus Berndtson
Team
Kim Lenschow, Jonas Fredskov, Adam Marcel Nielsen.
