Svanelunds­bakken

DENMARK'S FIRST PASSIVE HOUSE FOR SENIORS

When:

2013

Where:

Hjørring

M2:

4.500

Builder:

Hjørring Kommune

Svanelunds­bakken is Denmark’s first passive house senior center and is located on a scenic plot in the center of Hjør­ring. Even though the project is from 2013, it is still highly rele­vant when we talk about sustain­able and energy-opti­mized archi­tec­ture. In the passive house prin­ci­ples, higher require­ments are set for i.a. energy demand and insu­la­tion capac­ity than the current guide­lines in build­ing class 2020.
The build­ing is divided into two main volumes with resi­den­tial units, and as a central meet­ing point, a semi-trans­par­ent build­ing is placed as a link with the main entrance. Between the two hous­ing units, a nice outdoor envi­ron­ment has been created to the south.

Svanelundsbakken 1 | Bjerg Arkitektur

CONCEPT

The homes on Svanelunds­bakken are a visi­ble exam­ple that archi­tec­ture and energy opti­miza­tion can go hand in hand with­out losing focus on the resi­den­t’s needs and the inter­ac­tion between the surround­ings and the build­ing. It has been impor­tant for us to create harmo­nious and private homes that do not have the char­ac­ter of an institution.

Svanelundsbakken 3 | Bjerg Arkitektur

A SIMPLE LOOK WITH FULL USE OF DAYLIGHT

The build­ing’s design is char­ac­ter­ized by sharp lines, large windows and copper bay windows that contrast with the white facade.
The bay windows and the other large window sections are angled towards the south in order to draw as much sunlight into the apart­ments and common areas as possi­ble. This improves daylight qual­ity, has a health-promot­ing effect on well-being and reduces elec­tric­ity and heat consump­tion. In addi­tion, the design ensures that the resi­dent always has a view of the green park.

BJERG Arkitek­tur was respon­si­ble for: user involve­ment, archi­tec­tural advice, inte­rior design, land­scape archi­tec­ture as well as passive house design and calculations.

Svanelundsbakken 5 | Bjerg Arkitektur
Svanelundsbakken 7 | Bjerg Arkitektur

A GIFT FOR HJØRRING

"The elderly center is a gift to Hjørring Municipality's elderly population. I think it is wonderful to enter the building every single day. What you are greeted with is calmness, and I sense well-being both among residents and staff"

Edith Valhøj, manager at Svanelunds­bakken at the time

Svanelundsbakken 9 | Bjerg Arkitektur

MAIN ENTRANCE

Svanelundsbakken 11 | Bjerg Arkitektur

ARRIVAL

Svanelundsbakken 13 | Bjerg Arkitektur

ARCHI­TEC­TURAL AWARD

Svanelunds­bakken received Hjør­ring Munic­i­pal­i­ty’s Archi­tec­ture Award 2013, and the reason­ing was:

“A build­ing that makes full use of its land­scape loca­tion. A simple and sober construc­tion in good mate­ri­als, which is enhanced by classy and func­tional details. The fine court­yards and the process­ing of the outdoor areas contribute to a good cohe­sion between outside and inside.”

Svanelundsbakken 15 | Bjerg Arkitektur
Svanelundsbakken 17 | Bjerg Arkitektur
Svanelundsbakken 19 | Bjerg Arkitektur