Høegh Hansens Have
The former Amtssygehuset forms the framework for a new and exciting urban development - close to the center of Aarhus and to recreational areas.
Name
Høegh Hansens Have
Client
P+ Pensionskasse, Lægernes Pensionskasse & NRGi
Status
Competition entry
Time span
2022
Location
Aarhus
Size
27.000 m2
Type
Residential, mixed use, transformation
Budget
Confidential
Partner in charge:
Thomas Bossel
PAX Team:
Mathias Brockdorff
Mads Rudi Lassen
Frederik Emil Hansen
Architecture:
Kjaer & Richter
PAX Architects
Visualizations:
KVANT1
PAX Architects
Landscape:
DETBLÅ
Contractors:
Aarsleff
Client Consultant:
Kuben Management
Real-estate:
EDC
Project development:
NRGi
Engineer:
AFRY
Market analytics:
NRGi Exometric
A modern interpretation
The new housing blocks are designed with a brick base and body with red brick in four storeys, like the existing Bed Building, and with two light floors, that are pulled back from the facades and carried out in same style as the new roof of the existing building.
Elements that are incorporated into the brick base can be found in the existing building structures – e.g. yellow brick stripes at base, curved moulded entrances and patterned brickwork.
The elements are designed and composed so that a modern façade expression is achieved, but still with great respect for it existing architecture.
We have named our proposal ‘Høeg Hansen’s Have’ as a gesture to the original architect of Amtssygehuset, who designed the buildings in the 1930s, and with reference to the green surroundings you still find in this area of Aarhus.
Lush green spaces
Lush green courtyards offers space for activity and quiet places for contemplation. Great emphasis has been put in creating both large common areas and the more intimate meeting places - surrounded by a green environment of both planned and informal nature.
The landscape is planted with flowers, trees, herbs and plant species with reference to the old hospital garden. The green environment offers light, air and recreation and relief for the soul. During spring and summer, flowers and herbs create a colurfull palette, and deciduous trees dresses the area in warm tones during autumn.
As part of the developing the landscape our team had great focus on incorporating plants that adds both colors and scents that can close mind and soul, while creating fertile ground for a floral biodiversity.
Wayfinding and safety
The new Kvartersport is centrally located in the building, and connects the adjacent areas towards south and north.
The gate is framed with a relief edge that appears slightly outside the brick facades to clearly mark the new gate. Walls and ceilings are clad with slightly concave fiber- concrete elements that give a detailed and refined look. In the evening, the gate is illuminated from the inside, creating a distinctive and safe attractor in the building.
Windows on both sides of the gate provide a visual connection to the the assembly room and the playroom, and is also instrumental in creating a safe passage.
Concept
Both old and new buildings are designed after the same principles. A bottom part made of bricks and with a set back of the upper floors, that appear lighter in their expression. Facades at ground level are treated with a high level of detail, to enhance materiality and tactility.
The beautiful park expands, and enhances the experience of the magnificent scale and architecture of the existing building.
Location
The location close to Den Gamle By, Botanisk Have, daycare centers and several schools are, in our eyes, a good framework for developing a family- and child-friendly neighborhood in central Aarhus. We want to seize that potential by developing housing and recreational facilities, which are particularly aimed at families with children. Hereby, we want to contribute to the development of Høeg-Hansens Have bringing greater diversity to the local area, which is in need of families with children, according to the vision for Amtssygehuset.
Learning from history and unfolding exisiting qualities are crusial in our design-thinking when transforming existing building structures.
