Agorahaverne

Ibihaven is the first of several co-housing developments for seniors under the umbrella title Agorahaverne which has been conceived and developed by Tetris A/S. A central atrium garden is the main unifying element for a co-housing development with a strong sense of community.

Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen, architect MAA

Ibihaven consists of a series of two-storey terraced houses arranged around a covered atrium from where residents can access their flats. The flats on the upper floors are accessed via a raised walkway. All the flats have outdoor balconies or patios.

Agorahaverne is conceived as a co-housing development for adults whose children have left home and who want to join a relaxed community in a safe environment. Living here is a chance to meet new people and be part of a community.

Lush communal space

The long atrium is so densely planted that it is impossible to fully appreciate its size from the entrance level. The slightly staggered arrangement of the buildings is reminiscent of the variations normally found in towns and cities, and in this way Ibihaven resembles a small, green town. An ‘agora’ is a central square, where you either meet people at random or come together for organised events.

The atrium is divided into a number of green zones which are furnished for moments of relaxation, either alone or with others. The plants have been very carefully chosen, and are tended by a gardener.

The buildings are made of wood, its smell pervading the large enclosed area. The entrances to the individual flats are placed beneath the walkways, creating architecturally detailed intermediate zones between the communal and private areas. Here, Troldtekt acoustic panels in natural wood have been installed, ensuring comfortable acoustics close to the flats, in addition to which the flooring is also wood rather than the stone used elsewhere in the atrium.