Gråbrødre Skole is an architectural transformation project where the old school in Roskilde is transformed into 4500 m2 of rental housing. KHR's sustainability consultants and architects have been responsible for the transformation of the fine neoclassical building, which is complemented by a new building and a green outdoor area that benefits both residents and the neighbourhood.
Roskilde
Denmark
Jönsson
2021
4500 ㎡
20 M
Renovation and choice of materials
Core X, Thornton Tomasetti, Klaus Nielsen A/S, MASU Planning
General planner
Neoclassical starting point for modern residential block with focus on sustainability
The beautiful old building's neoclassical identity forms the basis for a new unified whole in Gråbrødre Hus. We have worked intensively with sustainability and created a holistic solution where internal and external spaces, old and new, merge into an inspiring living environment for the residents.
The focus has been on balancing environmental, economic and social considerations throughout the design process, which has resulted in a DGNB Gold certification.
Full-scale user process
Potential tenants of the apartments in Gråbrødre Hus have been invited inside the raw building for a full-scale user process.
Using specially designed modules, our user engagement experts worked with potential residents to identify which layout best matches their needs and what different scenarios the apartment typology should accommodate.
A three-storey building with generous apartments
The new east wing completes a three-storey building and separates the main car park to the east from the large inner green courtyard. The east wing is raised above the original ground level, allowing direct access to the car park under the building from the east side. To the west, the terrain rises to ground floor level, providing level access to entrances and residences.
All homes have generous ceiling heights and large windows that draw natural light deep into the rooms and create varied lighting in different spectra and colours. The increased ceiling height in both the new east wing and the existing school building enhances the sense of space, ensuring a good feeling of spaciousness even in the smaller homes. All homes are well-lit and living areas with kitchens face the lively environment and the large shared courtyard.
"Thanks to our in-house research unit, we have worked with potential tenants to identify different housing scenarios to ensure the most optimal and long-term fit out of the new apartments."
Janina Zerbe, Architect and Partner in KHR Architecture
Contact
A transformation for the benefit of the city
The listed Gråbrødre School in Roskilde has been transformed into Gråbrødre Hus. By adding a new building that architecturally interacts with the existing one, space has been created for a total of 47 rental apartments of 60-110 square metres surrounded by a green courtyard environment. Many of the city's residents have previously attended the school, which most recently hosted evening classes. They can now benefit from the green space created around the school, which means that the residential area will be both aesthetically and functionally beautifully integrated into the neighbourhood.
The development of Gråbrødre School into Gråbrødre House is part of the overall vision for Roskilde town centre, where housing, shops and workplaces will sit alongside cultural and public offerings. Gråbrødre Skole is just 400 metres from Roskilde Cathedral and very close to Roskilde railway station.
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Courtyards create cohesion and community
The new green courtyard invites community and outdoor activities. It weaves the building and the local urban environment together and supports socialising and play between residents. The ground floor apartments have direct access to private and shared outdoor spaces via an outdoor staircase.
