Jan Henrik Jansen Designs Unconventional Round House in Denmark

The Holms, a couple living in Odense, Denmark, initially envisioned a simple wooden farmhouse for their new home. However, architect Jan Henrik Jansen, known for offering multiple solutions for his projects, presented them with a radically different concept: a round house. To his surprise, the Holms immediately embraced this unconventional design. Jansen, a German architect who established Jan Henrik Jansen Arkitekter in Denmark, attributes the couple's adventurous spirit partly to the Danish national character, which he describes as having a fundamental interest in design, not limited to an upper-class clientele. The unique round shape of the house was strategically chosen due to its location, flanked by other residences. By orienting the house to face a green meadow, Jansen aimed to create a sense of living in open countryside, providing privacy and a connection to nature. The architect opted for brick as the primary building material, rather than the initially requested wood, to ensure the house blended harmoniously with the existing neighborhood. He also noted that the curved structure inherently called for a solid material like brick. Despite their enthusiasm for the design, the initial cost was a concern for the Holms. Finn Holm, who owns a corporate cleaning business, took on the role of general contractor to manage the project, a decision he later described as a two-year ordeal he would not repeat. A significant part of this arduous process involved Finn hand-cutting thousands of bricks from a demolished Carlsberg brewery in Copenhagen, a task that alone took six months and required enduring various weather conditions. The house, spanning 2,400 square feet, accommodates a blended family of six children from previous marriages, with three still living at home, along with a cocker spaniel. To manage the bustling household, Jansen designed the layout as a C-shape. The master suite is situated at one end, while the children's three bedrooms and a shared bathroom are at the opposite end. The living rooms, dining area, and kitchen are centrally located. Jansen explained that the curved design creates a sense of openness without feeling excessively exposed. Materially, the house primarily utilizes wood and brick. The interior curve of the C-shape features a triple-glazed thermal glass curtain wall. Even the radiant-heated floors are made of brick, sealed for easy maintenance. Jansen highlighted that the use of these traditional materials gives the house a timeless quality, suggesting it “could have been built 100 years ago.” Janni Holm, a doctor with a keen interest in design, took charge of the interiors, furnishing the space with her collection of Danish 1950s and 1960s furniture, which seamlessly integrates with the house’s curved architecture. Finn Holm particularly appreciates the constant connection to the outdoors, facilitated by the floor-to-ceiling glass, which offers views of a circular, cobblestone-paved courtyard featuring an outdoor fireplace for entertaining. Despite their neighbors' admiration, Janni noted with a smile that most couldn't imagine living in such an unconventional home. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #UnconventionalHome #DanishDesign #BrickArchitecture #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #UnconventionalHome #DanishDesign #BrickArchitecture #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials

96 months ago

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