Veterans Home

The new Veterans Home in Aarhus, Denmark will be the quiet and home-like gathering place for the local war veterans and their friends and family, that creates space for both community and individuality through healing architecture and nature. The newly extended center includes the renovation and transformation of a heritage villa designed by Friis & Moltke in 1961, located in stunning surroundings in Brabrand Lake near Aarhus, Denmark.

In addition to the transformation of the villa, two additional buildings have been added to the complex - a barn which works as a multi-purpose space for seminars and events, but also for physical exercise and games and an elevated cabin overlooking the fjord landscape dedicated contemplation, reading and arts and crafts. All the new buildings are realized in timber, from the load-bearing structure to all the elements of both the facade and the interior. It was important that the design’s materials were in harmony with the nature of the site as well as responding to the project’s different functions.

The spaces are designed around the principles of healing architecture, paying attention to the well-being of the visitors and to any physical and psychological disabilities that members of the user group might be challenged by. Simultaneously, the design encourages activities for movement and social gatherings, while other people will come to be with themselves in calm condi­tions and in a setting that supports rehabilitation. Situated in a lush landscape shaped by the sloping glacial hills, the new facility will be able to meet all the different needs of the veterans while creating spaces for both socialization and privacy.