HAVREVANGEN, FARUM

The winning project from a 1991 competition sponsored by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Energy Commission formed the basis for the completed scheme comprising 50 public housing units. It is a “low-energy” scheme, where the aim was to cut 50% of the energy consumption of, what is normally required – without any constraints to the inhabitants. Testing over a year has proved a 54% reduction.

The pitched roof broad eaves provides the schemes most characteristic energy and architectural feature: the large band of air to air collectors. EU subsidies financed extra insulation, low-emission windows and a heat retrieval system in the ventilation system. Each unit is zoned with living rooms facing south and bed- and bathrooms facing north.

The units are laid out in 5 “bar” buildings in 1, 1½ split level and 2 storeys with a “common” house for shared facilities. The 5 buildings are placed on the site to ensure maximum sun exposure and minimum wind exposure.

The house units are part of a test project with common environmental- and maintenance friendly materials. The most characteristic of these is the cedar shingle façade panelling that in time will weather to a silver grey nuance.