The 20,000 sqm health centre in the Danish town Vejle is a very imposing and dynamic building constructed in polished white concrete, broken up by a vertical theme which adds vitality to the extensive exterior walls. It comprises two interlinked but different blocks, one four storeys high with an atrium and the other six storeys high with a courtyard.
The nursing study programme occupies the smaller building, while the larger building houses a range of facilities, including dental care, social psychiatry and the health department. With its focus on prevention, the health centre is a very busy and versatile facility with many staff to service a large number of patients.
A wide staircase in the atrium leads up to the higher floors, in parallel with a wooden grandstand. After the first landing, the staircase continues upwards while the railing runs along the balcony.
Internally, there is a dramatic vertical feel about the walls. For example, some of the walls and those of the sides of the concrete staircase are clad with Troldtekt acoustic panels. An unusual design feature is the way in which ash vertical strips have been added. This combination not only provides an aesthetically pleasing finish, giving the area a pleasant texture and warmth, but the panels provide an excellent and durable backing and greatly improve acoustics in the atrium. Elsewhere, such as in the sport and activity room, Troldtekt panels are also used on the ceilings to improve acoustics.
