Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) recently completed Sneglehusene, a modular housing complex conceived as a part of the master plan of NYE, an upcoming neighbourhood north of Aarhus, Denmark.
At the heart of the property, an ensemble of six buildings, varying from one to four storeys, delicately embrace a pond and a green boardwalk. Envisaged as a porous wall, the project comprises 93 residential units stacked together to form a distinctive checkered pattern.
The artificial pond is not just a point of retreat but also manages stormwater runoff by directing the flow towards the canals integrated into the site. The pond is further connected to a local water plant system that collects and recycles water for flushing and rinsing purposes for the entire NYE neighbourhood.
Featuring expansive indoor spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace in each home, the project consists of three different unit types – studio, multi-bedroom apartments and townhouses.
Light-coloured wood and concrete form the primary materials for interiors and exteriors, giving the project a minimal and fresh look. The units extend into a green landscape, visually and physically, providing gathering spaces for social interaction among the residents.
Endowed with the highest honour by the city for its outstanding architectural quality, the project induces modular construction with low-cost materials while activating the existing urban fabric.
