schmidt hammer lassen architects: kolding hospital

kolding hospital, denmark by schmidt hammer lassen architects

schmidt hammer lassen architects has won the competition to design the new masterplan and extension of kolding hospital in denmark. the 32,000 m2 extension with a bed ward, an emergency ward and a new main entrance has been designed together with niras, creo, balslev and GBL.

based on a careful analysis of the surrounding landscape, the existing buildings and the infrastructural conditions, the new design relocates the main entrance to the west of the existing hospital. by relocating the main entrance the hospital gets a whole new identity, and the main entrance becomes visible and clear to patients and relatives. at the same time the internal flow of the hospital is maintained and reinforced, while the entire hospital will be perceived as a complete structure where buildings and the nearby surroundings complement each other. 

‘the masterplan emphasises the potential of the landscape of kolding river valley by continuing the orthogonal building structure while allowing the nature and greenery to penetrate the buildings,’ explained kasper frandsen, associate partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects. ‘by situating the new bed ward on top of the existing building, we take full advantage of the beautiful view of the surrounding forest, and we outline the future developments of the hospital.’

though kolding hospital is the first hospital project for schmidt hammer lassen architects the practice is pursuing other possibilities in the field. currently, the practice is finishing another hospital competition with a proposal for the new herlev hospital. 

the extension of kolding hospital has a construction sum of approx 77 million euro and is expected to be completed in 2014.

project info: architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects, creo full-service consultant: niras engineer: niras, balslev landscape architect: GBL client: region syddanmark area: 32,000 m2 new built construction sum: 77 million euro excl. vat competition: 2010, 1st prize in restricted advisor competition status: completion 2014