Community building
NÆRHEDEN CHURCH HALL
Type
Public - 1st prize, invited competition
Team
Cornelius Vöge (lead consultant), EKJ Rådgivende Ingeniører A/S, Riis Akustik ApS, Jepser Kongshaug
Size
Phase 1: 700 m2 + 2.300 m2 landscape
Client
Hedehusene Sogn
Status
Ongoing
The vision of Hedehusene Parish is for the architecture of the new church hall in Nærheden to stand out from its surroundings while meeting modern functional requirements in an urban context.
With its central location directly adjacent to the district’s green park area, Loopet, the new church hall will become a visible landmark, noticeable even from the main arrival route to the district.
The building appears with a characteristic facade made of natural wood, which opens and closes towards the city and the countryside. Unique to the district and identity-giving in its expression, a distinctive wooden roof rises above the facade structure. Unique lighting designs will ensure the building is visible around the clock.
The church hall
The church hall is kept in wood, radiating calmness and dignity, as well as openness and unity. Functionality and lasting quality are emphasized over flashy elements.
As a contemporary building, the church hall is not only for church activities but also serves as a gathering place for lectures, concerts, meetings, communal dining, and other activities for the community. Special emphasis is placed on acoustics.
To accommodate various activities, all furniture in the church room is movable. Large flexible doors and curtains can fully or partially close off spaces, controlling sunlight and views, or they can be used to manage sound, reflecting or diffusing it as desired.
The church garden
The adjacent church garden blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. With its pergolas and lush greenery, the garden becomes an enclosed, “secret” place within the district – a special spot for silence and reflection.
The church garden can be used for outdoor services, weddings, confirmation preparation, community events, communal dining, and socializing – or simply as a sensory experience in everyday life.
Phase 2
The project includes Phase 2, in which an independent building of 275 m² will be constructed to accommodate association rooms, a workshop, and additional office workspaces, all connected to an outdoor space of 2,000 m².
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