Quality on every level

Brick, zinc, wood. All are well-known materials, and they have been used with talent in the Svaneparken residential development in Galten near Aarhus. At the same time, the development is also an architecturally integrated whole which was rewarded with the Skanderborg Municipality Architecture Award.

In May 2020, The Danish Building Defects Fund issued a publication: A guide to quality in new housing. And in it, Svaneparken is referred to with the words ‘Quality on every level’. Svaneparken can be described as a low-rise, high-density development with both one- and two-level homes organised around two common areas.

Each unit features both a small backyard and a front garden, so residents can choose where they wish to spend time based on the weather and the level of social interaction they want. The common areas are kept free of parking, and instead feature playgrounds and a community facility.

Community facility as gathering spot

Frost Larsen Architects has used the simple, robust materials in a way that creates an aesthetic overall impression, but with an array of fine details upon closer inspection. Like the units themselves, the community facility has zinc roofs and brick façades, but is distinguished by a different use of the two brick colours that correspond to the larger scale of the building. Inside, the common room is very spacious and functional, making it useful for Svaneparken’s events and local club meetings. On three façades, large windows face out to the common area.

A black Troldtekt acoustic ceiling has been installed, which creates good acoustics despite the height of the room. The black acoustic panels form a backdrop for the wooden strips, providing a decorative element to the space. The wooden strips have also been applied to a limited wall surface, thereby creating a visual break with the white walls. The community facility interior is also characterised by the use of long-lasting, high quality materials.