Located 40 kilometers north of Copenhagen, a historic estate has been transformed into a corporate training and conference center. The project, designed by SeARCH architects, involved a balanced approach of restoration and new construction, preserving a former manor that has been a protected monument since 1964. The design works to establish the property's new purpose for Novo Nordisk, a global health-care company. The site's history is long and varied, dating back to 1364, and its past as a research farm resonates with the client's own history in scientific innovation.

A renovation with modern additions

In the design competition, the architectural team's proposal involved a conversion that would accommodate multiple functions. The existing west wing was renovated for guest rooms and a fitness center, while the central building was adapted for a lobby, dining hall, and administration. Former haylofts were converted into lounges and meeting rooms.

To comply with stringent preservation requirements, exterior alterations were kept to a minimum, and interior changes had to be made in accordance with historical accuracy. The architects’ new additions were constructed as two distinct volumes. A wood-clad east wing, which restores the courtyard’s original form, houses an auditorium and kitchen. A separate north wing contains meeting rooms. The new volumes were partly built underground to preserve views of the historic structure. The extension's modern lines and materials work in a dialogue with the original structure. For the east wing, a gable profile morphs into a different shape, and vertically applied wood slats are used as a rainscreen that extends up the roofline, referencing the site's former barns.

Design integration with the landscape 

The new additions were designed to strengthen the existing landscape. The 1,800-square-meter north wing, made of steel and concrete, is set into a hillside. This placement preserves views of the historic building from across a nearby lake, maintaining the original farmhouse as the central focus. The extensive glazing on the new wing provides views of the surrounding landscape and birdlife. The decision to limit lakeside activity, minimise operable windows, and provide no entry points on the north facade reflects a commitment to the sustainability of the local environment.

The client requested a variety of meeting room styles, but the architects opted for a cohesive design. They created a "family" of interconnected volumes, with the meeting spaces designed in a leaf-like shape. These spaces vary in size, relationship to the landscape, and material palette, providing diversity while maintaining a consistent aesthetic. The focus was on re-shaping the complex's levels to ensure visitors could easily orient themselves relative to the original building.

Preserving the past, building the future

The project blends new and old to create a functional space for corporate gatherings. By establishing a new identity for the site while respecting its architectural and historical background, the design provides a model for the adaptive reuse of historic structures. The result is a space that supports a modern corporate culture within a context of rich history and natural beauty.