The client lives in an apartment in central Aarhus. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the family felt trapped in their apartment with no real opportunities to go outside and enjoy nature.
Their two children, as well as the adults, struggled with being confined indoors. They did not want to experience that situation again.
The goal was to create a retreat close to nature while incorporating the property’s breathtaking sea view.
The site is located on a west-facing hillside, approximately 500 meters from the sea, overlooking Aarhus Bay. From the property, there is a stunning panoramic view of the sea and the glacial landscape of Mols Bjerge.
The house was meant to be more unique than a standard prefab home but still within a reasonable budget.
The primary users are two adults and their two young children. Architecturally, the vision was for a functional and Nordic-inspired design.
The result is a 70m² house with a clean, functional design that stayed within the budget.
Only the client can truly assess the house’s value, but by their own account, they are very happy with it—it fulfills their dreams. Their children love their new retreat.
The landscape played a crucial role in shaping the architecture. The house is designed to complement and enhance the natural surroundings and the stunning views.
The house is strategically positioned to frame the view, angled approximately 35 degrees relative to the slope of the hill.
The building’s length follows the direction of the view, while the gables align with the natural terrain. This design has resulted in the house’s unique rhomboid shape—a rectangle skewed into a parallelogram.
The property is set in the heart of the glacial landscape of Mols Bjerge, a remarkably scenic area.
For those unfamiliar with the region, here is a brief description:
Mols Bjerge is a hilly natural area in Eastern Jutland, renowned for its Ice Age-formed terrain with rolling hills, valleys, and coastal stretches. It is part of National Park Mols Bjerge and boasts rich biodiversity, including rare plants and wildlife. The area is also home to historical landmarks, such as Kalø Castle Ruins. Mols Bjerge is a popular destination for outdoor activities, offering hiking trails and stunning viewpoints. The region is protected to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ladegaard Architecture
Part of Ladegaard Group ApS