lenschow & pihlmann + mikael stenström's orangery in denmark references baroque architecture

lenschow & pihlmann + mikael stenström’s orangery in denmark references baroque architecture
photography by hampus berndtson

danish practice lenschow & pihlmann together with architect mikael stenström has created ‘the orangery’, located on the scenic grounds of GL. holtegaard art gallery in sealand, northern denmark. the temporary pavilion stands distinctively as a delicate, white structure, the form has been heavily influenced by baroque architecture–specifically italian architect francesco borromini’s san carlo alle quattro fontane church in rome.

illustrated by the curving oval and circular forms, the pavilion follows a similar floor plan to the church in italy. this reinterpretation sees the contemporary form using a steel structure and wrapped in a strong white plastic which is also used to protect large transportation. internally, as the name suggests, hosts a living orangery where citrus plants suspend down from the domed frane and visitors can meander below. at night, it is lit from within, making the pavilion glow like a lantern and the plants themselves, producing interesting shadows against the translucent material.

the floorplan is reminiscent of borromini’s san carlo alle quattro fontane in rome

citrus plants are suspended from the steel frame

the pavilion is based on the gardens of  GL. holtegaard gallery for contemporary art

the structure uses a strong, white plastic for the exterior

the reinterpreted orangery fuses a classic shape with modern materials

at night, the plants create a play of shadow

the shadow of the citrus plants can be seen from the exterior

isometric showing the domed frame of the orangery

the chosen plan references the baroque style seen in churches