Welcome to the second edition of okholmInLight – a magazine born from a passion for light and the projects that make a difference.
Light is more than illumination. It shapes moods, enhances architecture, and transforms visions into reality. When light is handled with care and intention, something magical happens – it creates depth, atmosphere, and coherence.
It is our collaborators who make this possible.Architects, lighting designers, light artists, and visionary clients – those who see light as a material equal to glass, stone, or steel. Those who dare to go beyond the obvious and create experiences that surprise and inspire.
This issue explores inspiration – drawn from history, from daylight, from nature.
We work with people who find meaning in the smallest details and use them as fuel to think differently, create boldly, and design with purpose.
Because light has a rare ability to transform.It can lift a project from good to unforgettable.
We hope the projects you discover here will inspire you – and we’re here to help turn your idea into light.
CONTENT
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INSPIRED BY NATURE / ECCO GLOBAL MARKETING, TOENDER, DENMARK
A RENOVATION GUIDED BY HISTORY – AND SHAPED BY ARCHITECTURE / ØRSLEV KLOSTER, HOEJSLEV, DENMARK
DUBORG SKOLEN – NOW FILLED WITH DAYLIGHT / DUBORG SKOLEN, FLENSBURG, GERMANY
INSPIRED BY NATURE
The design of ECCO Global Marketing’s building near Tønder draws clear inspiration from nature and its phenomena.
In the heart of the open landscape near Tønder stands a building that is more than a workplace – it is an architectural experience.
ECCO Global Marketing is designed to blend with nature, not only visually but functionally. It forms a quiet dialogue between architecture, landscape, and the people who move through and around it.
Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen
The building reveals itself gradually. From a distance, it appears grounded and robust – a natural extension of the marshland horizon. Up close, a richness of detail and refined materiality emerge, carefully balancing the raw and the delicate.
The design draws inspiration from the region’s traditional marsh farms, known for their distinct rooflines – here reinterpreted with wooden shingles in place of thatch, a material that patinates naturally with its surroundings.
The architectural logic is clear: The striking roof form shelters against the often harsh climate, controls daylight, and creates a seamless transition between inside and out. Large skylights draw soft daylight deep into the building’s core –defining the spatial atmosphere within.
Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen
Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen
Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen
WHEN SPACE BECOMES EXPERIENCE
From the entrance, mood and meaning align. A coffee bar welcomes guests and employees alike – an informal yet intentional gesture that signals this is a workplace built as much on experience as on function.
The eye lifts. A grand space unfolds, defined by a floating roof and refined details. Light, materials and spatial rhythm combine to create an atmosphere of balance – between the monumental and the intimate. Lighting here is more than function – it is narrative.In the first-floor lounge, a swarm of brass pendants appears to hang in random formation, yet reveals, upon closer observation, a system – an underlying order.
The composition is inspired by “Sort Sol” (Black Sun), a natural phenomenon in the Tønder Marsh, where thousands of starlings move in choreographed chaos – a dance between control and freedom.
The installation interprets this movement in architectural scale – anchoring the space even deeper to its local context.
FUNCTION, QUIETLY INTEGRATED
Every workspace has been designed with intent – where function supports flow, and nothing is left to chance. The lighting systems are lowmounted and discreet, placed on black tracks that dissolve into the architecture. They provide both ambient and task lighting – not as visual statements, but as quiet enablers of focus and clarity.
The meeting rooms, located primarily on the upper level, draw in generous daylight through expansive glass openings facing the central atrium. The artificial lighting is focused and exact: robust pendants over the tables, complemented by restrained downlights.
The material palette in the meeting rooms reflects the same uncompromising mindset –a balance of warmth and precision, exclusivity and ease. A space made not to impress, but to work – beautifully.
Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen
Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen
ARCHITECTURE AS AN OPEN GESTURE
What makes this building remarkable is its architectural gesture. It feels inviting – from the moment you approach, to the moment you step inside, move through its spaces, and finally leave again. There is a rhythm to the experience. A sense that the building opens itself to you, expands as you come closer, and leaves a lasting impression.
There’s humility in the architecture – but also confidence. An understanding that the most powerful architectural statement is often the most natural. This is not a building that shouts.It whispers – but with a voice that stays with you long after you’ve left.
This is a building made to be experienced.
OKHOLM LIGHTING AND ECCO GLOBAL MARKETING
Okholm Lighting played a central role in the development of the lighting concept for ECCO Global Marketing. Rooted in the building’s architectural vision, a lighting solution was created in close collaboration with the architects and client – balancing function, aesthetics, and contextual sensitivity.
The most prominent installation –inspired by the Sort Sol phenomenon – was developed in dialogue with the architects, integrating light as a natural and atmospheric element within the space.
Okholm Lighting was responsible for the calculation, development, and implementation of bespoke fixtures, while the task lighting was optimized in partnership with a technical manufacturer.
The result is a lighting scheme that is both dynamic and coherent – where technical precision merges with architectural clarity. A project that demonstrates how light not only illuminates – but defines space.
FACTS:
Architect: RAVN Arkitektur
Client: ECCO SKO A/S
Lighting: Okholm Lighting A/S
A RENOVATION GUIDED BY HISTORY – AND SHAPED BY ARCHITECTURE
Ørslev Kloster – a place preserved through vision, restored with care. Since 1969, Ørslev Kloster has been one of the Nordic region’s oldest and most respected creative refuges. Its historical roots were secured by Countess Olga Sponneck, who in 1934 saved the monastery from demolition and undertook its restoration. Her visionary commitment has made it possible for Ørslev Kloster to function as an active retreat to this day.
In 2023, Ørslev Kloster reopened after a comprehensive renovation. Modern technology and traditional craftsmanship were integrated with great sensitivity – upgrading the facilities to contemporary standards without compromising the site’s architectural and historical integrity. The restoration encompassed both the main building and the gatekeeper’s house, along with a newly built structure dedicated to workshops and educational activities.
The renovation was led by VMB Arkitekter under the direction of Bruno Viuf Larsen and funded by some of Denmark’s most prominent foundations – including the A.P. Møller Foundation and Realdania, which together contributed nearly DKK 62 million to the project. A scientific approach – especially through the insights of the monastery’s caretakers, Janne Fruergaard Keyes and Garry Keyes, both with academic backgrounds in medieval archaeology – created a deep connection between the architecture and the site’s historical layers.
A RESTORATION SHAPED BY METHOD AND MEANING
This was far more than a conventional restoration – it was an archaeological investigation and a scholarly reading of the building’s timeline. No wall was sealed, no surface touched without first understanding its historical significance. This meticulous process revealed, for instance, ancient murals that would otherwise have been lost to time.
The architects worked closely with Janne Fruergaard Keyes and Garry Keyes to ensure that every renovation decision was made with respect for Ørslev Kloster’s long and layered history.
FACTS:
Photo: Garry Keyes/Ørslev Kloster
Client: Janne Fruergaard Keyes, Association Ørslev Kloster
Client Advisor: ERIK Architects, represented by Thomas Pedersen
General Contractor: Ginnerup A/S, Skive
Site manager: Flemming Thybo
(Including masonry, painting, sheet metal, carpentry, joinery, and stucco work)
Architect: Bruno Viuf Larsen, VMB-Architects, Aarhus
Consulting Engineer: Erik Nielsen, Jørgen-Nielsen, consulting Engineers
Plumbing Engineers: Martin Funch, Martin Funch Engineering
Museum Salling: Turi Thomsen, Garry Keyes SLKS (Agency for Culture and Palaces): Mia Thomsen, Margrethe Lind Mikkelsen, Irene Margrethe Jensen
Conservators: Bent Jakobsen, Horsens, og Marie Vest Hansen, Holstebro
Metalworker: Jesper N. Christensen, Hjørring
Kunstsmed: Roar Helweg, Hundested
Art Blacksmith: Lars Grandjean, Mors
INTEGRATING MODERN TECHNOLOGY INTO HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
One of the project’s technological highlights was the lighting installation. Modern lighting technology was applied with great respect for the historical atmosphere of the monastery.
Peter Okholm from Okholm Lighting contributed to creating lighting conditions that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes – always in dialogue with the architecture.
By using contemporary lighting solutions, the spaces are now illuminated in ways that highlight the monastery’s architectural details – without overpowering them. At the same time, the new technology has significantly reduced operating costs.
This blend of historical preservation and modern innovation reflects a broader paradigm in architectural renovation –where the original spirit and purpose of the building are not only preserved, but enhanced.
On the lighting collaboration, Garry Keyes notes:
“We were recommended Okholm due to their experience in adapting and delivering atmospheric lighting – often in challenging and atypical spatial conditions. Our needs were quite varied, spanning both outdoor and indoor lighting solutions.
From the very first on-site meeting, it was clear that Peter brought deep professional insight and, importantly, the ability to listen – to identify solutions that met our needs, but also to challenge us through dialogue. Together, we uncovered possibilities we hadn’t imagined.
The result is a nuanced lighting scheme, tailored to each individual room and building. It lifts the spaces and adds atmosphere. By using Okholm lighting as a consistent quality element across the entire site, we’ve created a warm and coherent atmosphere that is central to the experience of staying at Ørslev Kloster.It’s something different. Something beautiful. And it’s something our guests really notice – and truly appreciate.”
Peter Okholm reflects on the project:
“Working on this project has been both rewarding and inspiring for Okholm Lighting. While we often work with restoring existing lighting, Ørslev Kloster called for something entirely different – a new lighting concept.
With modern lighting technology, we were able to create a solution that not only meets functional requirements, but also supports and enhances the architectural atmosphere of the spaces. We’ve worked with great care to use light as a way to reveal and respect the building’s historical character, while ensuring it performs by today’s standards.
Every detail – from the choice of light sources to materials and mounting –has been carefully considered to allow the light to support the space, never overpower it.
Our extensive experience in lighting for historic churches has been a clear advantage here – we’ve drawn on knowledge from more than a thousand restoration projects. This has truly been a highlight for us. And we are proud to have created a lighting scheme that does more than solve a task – it adds something meaningful to the experience of Ørslev Kloster.”
A REFUGE FOR THE MODERN MIND
The result of the renovation is a monastery more beautiful than ever.
The interior has been adapted to meet contemporary needs – without sacrificing the authenticity of the site. This has made Ørslev Kloster even more attractive to those seeking a place for reflection and creative work, while simultaneously reinforcing its role as an important cultural and historical landmark in Denmark.
FACTS:
The renovation was made possible through generous support from: The A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation for General Purposes, Realdania, Spar Vest Foundation, Augustinus Foundation, Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansen Foundation, Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces (SLKS), GBHF Foundation, Skive Municipality, and the Sportgoods Foundation.
Sources: Ørslev Kloster official website
Realdania: Ørslev Kloster, TVMidtvest – Broadcast about the renovation of Ørslev Kloster:“ After 60 million kroner and two and a half years, the monastery is open again.”
DUBORG SKOLEN – NOW FILLED WITH DAYLIGHT
During the renovation of Duborg Skolen/School in Flensburg, an innovative lighting concept was developed – based on the principles of natural daylight rhythms.
Duborg School, part of the Danish School Association for Southern Schleswig, is one of several schools serving the Danish minority in the region. The school hosts the upper levels – equivalent to grades 7–10 in the Danish primary system – as well as the integrated upper secondary school (grades 11–13).
The campus consists of three main parts: The original school building, constructed in 1922–24 by architect Andreas Dall; an extension from 1952–54 by architect Tete Rieve; and the new building from 1977–79, designed by architects Kjær & Richter.
By Stefan Grau, Product Manager, Okholm Lighting
As part of the renovation, a new lighting concept was introduced – based on Human Centric Lighting principles, where the artificial lighting system supports the natural circadian rhythm through controlled modulation of intensity and colour temperature. This approach enhances well-being, concentration and comfort throughout the school day.
Photo: Stig Bang Mortensen, Claus Østergaard
DUBORG SKOLEN, FLENSBURG,
COMPREHENSIVE RENOVATION
The renovation of the school complex – listed for both its exterior and interior – began in the autumn of 2013. The 13,000 m² project included a full refurbishment and conversion of the existing buildings, along with a new 800 m² science building. Despite the scale of the work, the project was carried out with great care for the architectural elements and full respect for the site’s heritage status.
DYNAMIC LIGHT FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
As part of the renovation, the entire school was equipped with a new lighting system. Classrooms, staff rooms and offices now feature fixtures with dynamic light / Human Centric Lighting, where the artificial light follows the rhythm of the natural light outside – enhancing wellbeing, focus and energy throughout the day.
ELEMENTS OF NATURAL LIGHT
The luminaires are based on a lighting concept developed in collaboration between Ulrike Brandi Licht and Okholm Lighting, in which the principles of natural light are transferred into the function of the artificial lighting. Outdoors, we experience both the soft, cool light of the atmosphere – creating
even, low-contrast illumination – and the powerful, warm sunlight that enhances brilliance and casts shadows. By integrating both qualities into a single luminaire, the lighting creates a vibrant and unified experience, supporting comfort and clarity throughout the space.
FACTS:
Client: Danish School Association for Southern Schleswig andThe A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation for General Purposes
Lighting Design and Fixture Manufacturer: Okholm Lighting A/S
CUSTOM LUMINAIRES
Based on the overall lighting concept, a dedicated luminaire series was developed – initially tailored specifically for Duborg School. Although the fixtures vary in form depending on the building section in which they are installed, the concept remains consistent throughout the entire project.
In the oldest part of the school, round pendant luminaires were used, featuring dynamic soft downward light, warm “sunrays”, and dynamic uplighting. Similar fixtures were used in corridors and stairwells – though without the dynamic light component.
In the newer building and the newly constructed “science” wing, the concept is translated into linear ceiling luminaires – both surface-mounted and integrated
into suspended ceilings. These too incorporate the dynamic soft light and warm sunrays, mirroring the qualities of the pendants in the historical section.
The fixtures were designed to fit seamlessly into protected Dampa ceilings, replacing specific slats – and to integrate easily into Rockfon suspended cassette ceilings. Both Rockfon and Dampa were instrumental in realising this design solution.
As each lighting element can be controlled individually, it is possible to adjust the sunrays, soft light, and uplight independently. For example, in the pendant luminaires, the uplight can be used on its own – ideal for teaching situations involving large screens or projectors.
FACTS:
Identical lighting performance and a shared visual language, ensuring coherence across the school’s different buildings.
Luminaires delivered by Okholm Lighting for Duborg School:
Pendant luminaires for classrooms and offices
Pendant luminaires for corridor areas
Pendant luminaires for stairwells
Surface-mounted luminaires
Recessed luminaires
Blackboard lighting
LIGHT QUALITY IN FOCUS
Okholm Lighting has applied the latest in LED technology – including the development of custom, high-performance LED modules for the fixtures. All light elements in the luminaires feature excellent color rendering, and the dynamic lighting system offers an exceptionally wide color temperature range: from 1600K warm light to 16000K cool light, with no loss in color quality.
To simulate the effect of sunlight, new lenses were developed to create a visible light effect – without glare or uneven light distribution. Based on extensive calculations, Okholm Lighting engineered a custom Fresnel lens for both round and linear fixtures.
LIGHTING THAT SUPPORTS THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM
The lighting is programmed and controlled via DALI/KNX systems to follow the natural rhythm of daylight, supporting students and staff in maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm throughout the day. The system is deliberately overdimensioned – nearly 100% above the minimum illumination requirements for educational spaces – allowing the classrooms to be lit with up to 1000 lux in the morning and after lunch, when stimulation and alertness are needed. During midmorning and late afternoon, the light level is dimmed to meet the recommended norms for illuminance.
USER FEEDBACK
“I happened to overhear a conversation between two students who said they felt less tired at the end of the school day since the new lighting was introduced in the classrooms.”
“The teachers’ attitude towards the lighting has shifted from scepticism to appreciation. The variation in color temperature and the relatively high illuminance levels took some getting used to – but now they wouldn’t want to be without it.”
Quote: Markus Wiederholt, Client Advisor for the Danish School Association in Southern Schleswig.
