2_3_ScanMagazine_Issue_81_Oct-Nov_2015_Scan Magazine 1 15/10/2015 21:36 Page 66
Scan Magazine | Architecture Special | Denmark
Left: Christiansgade Apartments, built in 2013, located in the centre of Aarhus, Denmark. Photos: Helene Høyer.
The homes on Christiansgade evoke a modern and urban emphasis with simple design, yet at the same time achieving a kinship with the surrounding buildings in proportion and material use. The project was awarded the Aarhus Municipality Architecture Prize in 2013.
‘In the city, you are forced to think outside the box’ Quality materials, daylight and energy efficiency are the key ingredients when the Danish architecture firm Luplau & Poulsen Arkitekter develops inimitable and aesthetic Scandinavian-inspired designs. By Sanne Wass
“Our architecture is particularly Nordicinspired in that we use well-known quality materials,” says Jørn Lyager Poulsen, partner and co-founder of Luplau & Poulsen Arkitekter. “For us, a crucial part of architecture is to create something that doesn’t start to look dull over time.” With more than 25 years of experience in the field, the Aarhus-based architects have an eye for creating beautiful and functional architecture where light and space as well as sustainable quality materials play a major role. These elements
are essential whether it is a big or a small project, commercial buildings or residential houses, and whether in the countryside or in the city. In the centre of Aarhus, Luplau & Poulsen Arkitekter had the challenging task of creating 24 city dwellings on a very small site. Lyager Poulsen explains: “Our project on Christiansgade was a very special task, because we only had two facades to work with. Still, we managed to ensure plenty of daylight and space for each of the homes – even though the area is very small and closed in.”
Villa Albertsen, built in 2007, overlooking Aarhus Bay. Photos: Brahl Fotografi.
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“You always meet big challenges when building in the city because of the limited space, so you are really forced to think creatively and outside the box. It means you often end up with some really interesting architecture, compared to if you had a huge open field to build on,” he says. Zero-energy sustainable housing “We also have a big focus on creating sustainable housing,” says Lyager Poulsen, who believes it is their duty – and a necessity – to create architecture that is environmentally sound. Therefore Luplau & Poulsen Arkitekter designs many socalled zero-energy buildings – buildings that, because of their efficient ventilation system and insulation, have no energy consumption. Lyager Poulsen ends: “We integrate many elements into the projects that make the buildings energy efficient, such as the use of solar panels. And we think about the environment when we choose materials, using materials that can be recycled.”
For more information, please visit: www.luplau-poulsen.dk