Nestled on the northernmost tip of Zealand, Denmark, where the landscape dramatically shifts from flatlands to rolling, grass-covered hills, sits a cabin from the 1950s. Perched on a slope overlooking the sea, this modest dwelling commanded breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Tasked with expanding this existing structure, Förstberg Ling didn’t simply add on; they reimagined the very concept of dwelling, crafting a new extension that subtly redefines the relationship between inhabitant, landscape, and home.
The architects conceived a detached addition, a cluster of four distinct volumes of varying heights, designed to complement the existing cabin’s kitchen and living spaces while providing much-needed bedrooms and a new living room. This is not merely an extension, but a carefully orchestrated sequence of spaces, a journey that unfolds as one moves through the house.
The true genius of the design lies in the creation of a hidden, central atrium. This enclosed space, invisible from the exterior, becomes the heart of the home. The four volumes, each with its own character, encircle this secret garden, creating a dynamic interplay of enclosure and openness.
Movement through the house becomes a dance around this void, a constant discovery of new perspectives and connections between rooms. The experience is akin to a gentle unfolding, as one progresses from narrow, taller spaces to wider, lower ones, a rhythmic shift in scale that adds a layer of richness to the everyday experience.
This manipulation of scale is further emphasized by the varying levels at the front and back of the house. The stepped topography of the site is not just accommodated, but celebrated, contributing to the ever-changing spatial dynamics within the volumes. One moment you’re framed by the towering pines, the next you’re gazing out across the expansive sea.
The material palette reinforces this sense of layered experience. The exterior, clad in blackened pine, speaks to the surrounding landscape, a dark, textured counterpoint to the verdant hills. Inside, the warmth of plywood, crafted from different veneers, lines the walls, creating a tactile and visually engaging environment.
Unlike the existing cabin’s emphasis on horizontal panoramas, Förstberg Ling strategically placed windows to highlight the verticality of the new structure. These carefully framed openings offer glimpses of the treetops, drawing the eye upwards and creating a dialogue between the intimacy of the interior and the grandeur of the surrounding nature.
Förstberg Ling’s House with a Hidden Atrium is more than just an extension; it’s a clear example of the power of thoughtful design. It’s a space that encourages exploration, a place where the interplay of light, scale, and material creates a truly unique and memorable living experience. It’s a sanctuary of shifting scales, a testament to the quiet beauty of hidden spaces, and a thoughtful conversation with the existing landscape.