Herning
In a new architect-designed single-family house near Herning in central Jutland, noise resulting from poor acoustics and all unnecessary decorative elements have been dispensed with, leaving a house characterised by its uncompromising architecture and interior design. With homogenous surfaces and well-defined corners, the house sits elegantly on its sloping plot.
Photo: Morten Mygind, architect MAA and Tommy Kosior
This simple and refined single-family house on the outskirts of Herning was designed by the architect Morten Mygind. Having worked on major projects at the architectural firms 3XN and Arkitema for several years, Morten Mygind started his own company in Copenhagen in 2009, undertaking commissions throughout Denmark. His focus is precision – in his customer relations and when it comes to the final result. Most projects involve designing new houses or rebuilds/extensions where, as the architect, you are required to study family life in the home and talk through many decisions with the client. The family in Herning which owned the plot contacted Morten Mygind, who then arranged a meeting.
Kick-starting a process
The family had already looked at a number of houses, including several standard designs, and were thus fairly clear in their minds about the style of house they wanted. Yet Morten Mygind took along some photographs of various designs and details which could help the family clarify important issues concerning the architecture and the layout. Early on in the process, Morten Mygind broached the issue of acoustics, because it pays to consider this aspect at an early stage. Whether the project on the drawing board is a concert hall or a family home! Experience shows that homes with large living rooms, hard floors and high ceilings require, for example, sound-absorbing ceilings, and in fact the family in Herning had already envisaged a home with Troldtekt panels. The architect could not agree more.
Detailed project planning
The house consists of a series of interconnected cubes placed on the plot which slopes one metre diagonally. The changes in level can be seen both inside and out. For example, four steps effectively separate the kitchen/family room from the sitting room. Likewise, broad steps divide the patio into two levels. A clever detail is the brick chimney in grey slate where the levels change, both inside and outside. The entire house is made of solid brick walls with white rendering, resulting in a hard-wearing yet modernistic look. The numerous projections form ‘spaces’ around the house, while adding a dynamic touch to the overall design. A look which has been achieved through analysing the site’s potential and the family’s wishes.
Attractive result
The design is centred on the kitchen/family room, the largest room in the house and one which offers ample space for all members of the family as well as their visitors. In addition to a large window section overlooking the patio, projections have produced several narrow, horizontal windows which let in the light as well as offering stunning views of the sky. Elsewhere in the house, fine details have been integrated, for example the narrow, vertical windows. All the floors are tiled, with 3.5 metres to the ceiling, so the Troldtekt acoustic panels in ultrafine white are an attractive, recurring material which effectively minimises noise. Acoustically, the ceilings fully lived up to the client’s high expectations once the house was complete and furnished. The Troldtekt panels also create a sense of coherence in the house through being used inside as well as on the exterior ‘ceiling surfaces’ – in other words on the covered patio and the elegant overhang near the entrance. The graphic, tight and modernistic look is beautifully softened by minor projections and level differences, the textured surfaces and superior coherence of the materials, creating an integrated, dynamic building.
And as the architect Morten Mygind says: “The main success criterion for me as an architect for private clients is that the new home should provide the very best environment for a pleasant family life and that the building supports this in every conceivable way.”
Kick-starting a process
The family had already looked at a number of houses, including several standard designs, and were thus fairly clear in their minds about the style of house they wanted. Yet Morten Mygind took along some photographs of various designs and details which could help the family clarify important issues concerning the architecture and the layout. Early on in the process, Morten Mygind broached the issue of acoustics, because it pays to consider this aspect at an early stage. Whether the project on the drawing board is a concert hall or a family home! Experience shows that homes with large living rooms, hard floors and high ceilings require, for example, sound-absorbing ceilings, and in fact the family in Herning had already envisaged a home with Troldtekt panels. The architect could not agree more.
Detailed project planning
The house consists of a series of interconnected cubes placed on the plot which slopes one metre diagonally. The changes in level can be seen both inside and out. For example, four steps effectively separate the kitchen/family room from the sitting room. Likewise, broad steps divide the patio into two levels. A clever detail is the brick chimney in grey slate where the levels change, both inside and outside. The entire house is made of solid brick walls with white rendering, resulting in a hard-wearing yet modernistic look. The numerous projections form ‘spaces’ around the house, while adding a dynamic touch to the overall design. A look which has been achieved through analysing the site’s potential and the family’s wishes.
Attractive result
The design is centred on the kitchen/family room, the largest room in the house and one which offers ample space for all members of the family as well as their visitors. In addition to a large window section overlooking the patio, projections have produced several narrow, horizontal windows which let in the light as well as offering stunning views of the sky. Elsewhere in the house, fine details have been integrated, for example the narrow, vertical windows. All the floors are tiled, with 3.5 metres to the ceiling, so the Troldtekt acoustic panels in ultrafine white are an attractive, recurring material which effectively minimises noise. Acoustically, the ceilings fully lived up to the client’s high expectations once the house was complete and furnished. The Troldtekt panels also create a sense of coherence in the house through being used inside as well as on the exterior ‘ceiling surfaces’ – in other words on the covered patio and the elegant overhang near the entrance. The graphic, tight and modernistic look is beautifully softened by minor projections and level differences, the textured surfaces and superior coherence of the materials, creating an integrated, dynamic building.
And as the architect Morten Mygind says: “The main success criterion for me as an architect for private clients is that the new home should provide the very best environment for a pleasant family life and that the building supports this in every conceivable way.”
