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An extension designed with four connected volumes of different heights that encircle a central atrium.
Located in Veddinge, at the northern tip of the island of Zealand in Denmark, House with A Hidden Atrium stands on a slope that overlooks the coast and the sea. Architecture firm Förstberg Ling designed this large extension for an existing 1950s cabin, expanding the available living spaces considerably with new bedrooms and a living room. Contemporary as well as distinctive, the extension’s design challenges notions of traditional coastal homes with a cluster of four volumes of different heights that encircle a central atrium. Clad in blackened wood and featuring unusual fenestration, the detached extension provides the feeling of a cozy, private shelter.
The four volumes have different heights, offering the residents shifting spatial experiences. Inside, the rooms range from tall and narrow to wide and open, creating a dynamic sequence as one moves through the living spaces. At the heart of the extension, the atrium connects all of the different rooms. The deliberately placed windows at the top of the volumes accentuate the height of this black house while also changing the relationship between the interior and the landscape. Instead of overlooking the coast, the openings frame the surrounding tree tops and the sky, creating a more intimate and secluded atmosphere.
While the exterior has a black finish, the living spaces boast light plywood-lines walls that brighten the interiors. The architecture firm used plywood made from veneers with different textures and organic patterns, resulting in calm, light-filled spaces that celebrate the beauty of wood. Carefully chosen pieces of modern furniture and lighting add a stylish touch to the décor while keeping the living spaces airy and minimalist. Photography© Markus Linderoth.
