Conte xt
SÆTTEDAMMEN Hillerød, Denmark 1969–72 Architect: Theo Bjerg Scale: 27 units Tenure: Owned What it is Sættedammen is considered the first ‘cohousing’ development in the world and its spatial layout and structure has inspired the development of future typologies. Unique characteristics The development is designed as two rows of autonomous private dwellings centred around a communal green space. Crucially,
26
L I V I N G C LOS E R
the development introduced the idea of a separate common house, accommodating communal facilities, as the conceptual ‘heart of the community.’ Further to this, access and parking was located at the periphery of the site, allowing the central green space to be reserved for play and recreation. The houses themselves were built using a modular design, allowing the interior walls to be moved around according to living needs.