Gribskov Health Center

A unique location and context

The building is located in a unique, historic and scenic setting. Untouched hills, lakes and forests surround and amplify the building, which makes a point of utilizing the natural topography of the site.

The building is designed in a modular concept that integrates the surrounding terrain.

The condensed and fragmented human scale of the building creates harmony with the surrounding nature. The earthy colours of the roofs and facades harmonize with the surrounding glacial landscape.

“Both the municipality and the citizens wanted the new building to become a natural part of the landscape. We've therefore specifically worked with the scale of the building and focused on taking inspiration from the area's remaining glacial erratic’s. As a result, the building has become an integrated and accomdating part of the area,’ says Thomas West Jensen, senior partner at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects.

The vibrant heart at the center

When visitors enter, they are greeted by the heart of the building - the vibrant civic square that autonomously embraces citizens and employees alike. The central continuous staircase acts as a focal point for visitors and is clearly marked with a green semblance. The common staircase creates transparency into the many municipal functions throughout the building and creates a greater interface between departments, whilst also serving as a connection point between employees and citizens.

The long-lasting solution

The building's modular concept with four scalable modules allows for further expansion in the future. This ensures flexibility and adaptability for the future, while still preserving the heart of the building.

At the same time, the modules allow for the utilization of the undulating landscape as well as step free access from the ground floor and first floor. This combined with the close contact with nature and the selection of comforting stone and wood materials creates a generous openness for both residents and employees.

‘Needs evolve over time, so when we design with flexibly, we increase the long-term durability of the building, which basically means we build more sustainably,’ says Thomas West Jensen.

The building is expected to receive a DGNB Gold certification.