Houses Within the House / Jesper Kusk Arkitekter

Architects:Jesper Kusk Arkitekter

Area:220m²

Year:2024

Photographs:Lars Rolfsted Mortensen

Manufacturers:DS Stålprofil,In-Sign,Krone,Krone Vinduer A/S,Lindab,The Greenery

Architecture and Design:Jesper Kusk

Program / Use / Building Function:Housing

Renovation Area:149 m2

Extension Area:71 m2

Engineer:Regnestuen

Landscape Architect:LoBe Landskab

Lighting Design:Lightscapes

Contractors:Steen Lauth og Jesper Krøg Holt.

Construction Details:THKR Therkelsen/Kristiansen

City:Birkerød

Country:Denmark

Stop DemolishingEvery year, around 1,100 single-family homes are demolished and replaced with new constructions in Denmark. Often, this does not happen due to the condition of the buildings, but because many homeowners see it as an easier and cheaper way to achieve a more modern home. However, demolition is rarely sustainable, which is why we need to rethink our existing houses, so they meet today's housing needs and dreams.

Find the Existing QualitiesThis single-family house, originally designed by architect MAA Steffen Hougaard (1967), is an example of how this can be approached. The renovation has provided the house with a new roof, extra insulation, and skylights that bring light indoors. The new extension is inspired by the house's original geometry and design, but its green-painted wooden facade gives it an own unique character.

Biogenic Materials and Sustainable SolutionsAll materials have been selected to reduce the project's overall CO2 footprint. Wood has been used as the primary material. The floors are made of bamboo, while birch plywood has been used for the walls in the living areas of the extension. In addition to optimizing the house's energy use, a buried water tank has been established to collect rainwater, which is used for toilet flushing.

The TeamThe house project is designed by Jesper Kusk Arkitekter in collaboration with THKR and Regnestuen. The landscape surrounding the house has been designed by LoBe Landskab and the lighting design has been developed by Iben Winther Orton.

Project gallery

Project location

Address:Birkerød, Denmark