31/07/2026
More than a decade ago, we asked: What if affordable housing could set new standards for quality, sustainability and community?
In 2014, we won the Danish Ministry of Housing’s competition “The Sustainable Social Housing of the Future.”
Working within the strict financial framework of the Danish non-profit housing sector, we demonstrated that affordability and architectural quality can go hand in hand.
The project combined locally prefabricated timber elements with a breathable timber-based building envelope, ventilated timber façades, and a landscape designed to manage rainwater naturally through infiltration and retention.
The low-rise housing clusters reinterpret the original ideals of Danish social housing, balancing private homes with shared spaces, generous terraces and green commons that encourage everyday community.
As Denmark once again debates the urgent need for more affordable homes, the conversation should be about more than numbers. It should be about creating affordable neighbourhoods where sustainability, resilience and social life are designed into everyday living from the start.
Awards:
The Municipality of Kolding’s Architectual Award
Our client and the team:
DAB-Lejerbo
