HELLIG KORS KIRKE – DINNING HALL

Hellig Kors Church was built in 1890 to designs by architect H.B. Storck and has a prominent location at the end of Korsgade in Inner Nørrebro. The church is assessed as having high architectural and cultural-historical value with significant local importance.

DINNING HALL AS NEW ASSEMBLY SPACE

The church forms the setting for ecclesiastical and cultural activities and is used during the winter months as a night shelter. The primary purpose of the conversion is to strengthen diaconal work, including the serving of meals for approximately 80 people twice weekly, while also improving working conditions for staff. With social sustainability as a central focus, the ambition is to open the church’s spaces to as many people as possible – including marginalised individuals, the unheard and the overlooked. The crypt is to be experienced as inclusive and open, and to support a range of formal and informal communities.

CRYPT CONVERSION

The project comprises the conversion of the crypt into a parish hall, dining hall, production kitchen, bathroom facilities, as well as storage and depot rooms. Step-free access to the crypt is achieved by establishing a ramp at the northern entrance, formed by terrain adjustment. In addition, a platform lift is installed between the church hall and the crypt, along with a smaller platform lift between the dining hall and the central space of the crypt.

A strong emphasis is placed on acoustics, as sound from activities in the crypt must not disturb church services taking place simultaneously in the church hall.

LANDSCAPE AND SUSTAINABILITY

To the south, the church is surrounded by an atmospheric garden with beautiful mature trees, which forms a green space for the area. The project includes landscape works around the church and the opening of the crypt towards the garden. Storck’s original garden plan from 1890 shows a clear intention of symmetry, which is respected and continued in the new garden plan.

The project sets out requirements for durable architecture, robust solutions and finishes, and the use of healthy materials. At the same time, the construction process must be carried out with a focus on sustainability, including the reuse of materials, the reduction of construction waste, and the responsible handling of hazardous substances.