BIG's modular housing spirals around central pond in danish sustainable suburb

BIG modular housing project ‘Sneglehusene’ in aarhus, denmark

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has recently completed ‘Sneglehusene’, a modular residential complex with a characteristic checkered facade right outside of Aarhus, Denmark. Bringing 93 spacious living units to the newly unveiled sustainable Nye suburb, the project was awarded the highest distinction by the city for its remarkable architectural quality that activates modular construction with inexpensive materials, as well as its contribution to the existing urban fabric. The ‘Sneglehusene’ was initiated in 2018 by developer Taekker Group and is the second collaboration between BIG and Cj Group, after the completion of the affordable ‘Dortheavej Residences’ in Copenhagen. 

all images by Rasmus Hjortshoj

thoughtful modular housing for the neighborhood of Nye

In ‘Sneglehusene’, the BIG team had the chance to apply their knowledge of modular housing principles and further adapt and evolve it into a thoughtful design for the sustainable neighborhood of Nye. The development takes shape as an ensemble of six buildings that resemble a porous wall and gently embrace a pond and a green boardwalk at the core of the property. The one- to four-story structures are 50 to 150 sqm in size and include three different housing types: studios, multi-bedroom apartments, and townhouses.

‘As an architect, one typically only gets to build a house once. With the ‘Sneglehusene’, we were given the opportunity to evolve our housing concept from an earlier project, while also developing the building’s own identity. Our modular concept has made it possible for us to maintain simplicity in the execution despite the construction’s complexity, and we have been allowed to improve the concept with all our experiences. It is a joy to see how the buildings have become homes filled with life, and we’re very proud to have contributed to the realization of the vision for the Nye neighbourhood.’ shares BIG Partner Finn Noerkjaer. 

‘Sneglehusene’ comprises 93 spacious living units

distinctive checkered facade and brightly lit interiors

The facade of ‘Sneglehusene’ presents a distinctive checkered pattern thanks to the recurrence of two different types of modules. Long wooden planks cover the exterior, highlighting the modules and alternating to emphasize the design. The 2,5- and 3,5-meter ceilings of these two types of housing modules, when stacked together, produce spacious interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor terrace in each home.

Inside, a variety of brightly illuminated living spaces are revealed, continuing the exterior’s simple logic. In order to provide flexibility, fluidity, and enough ventilation, partition walls are removed. The flooring has built-in heating, leaving the walls smooth and unaltered. The interior and exterior are primarily made of wood and concrete in light colors, and the materiality and finishes are kept minimal.

the project stands out for its checkered facade

green pockets blur private and outdoor areas 

The BIG team has created a landscape of green trails and gathering places that appear between and alongside the buildings, providing cozy spaces for neighborhood play and small talk. The structure is shaped like a spiral, enclosing the artificial pond at the heart of the complex, which serves as the community’s gathering place and retreat.

The pond controls the runoff of precipitation that comes from canals built into the landscape. The local water plant, Aarhus Vand, created and oversees a system for secunda water that is connected to the pond. The system recycles water from the entire Nye neighborhood, cleans it, and then distributes it to every residence for use in flushing toilets, cleaning laundry, etc.

long wooden planks clad the exterior

a well-lit welcoming interior atmosphere

the interior adopts a wooden character continuing the exterior’s logic

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project info:

name: NYE / SNEGLEHUSENE

architect: BIG
status: Completed
built area: 9.500 sqm
client: Tækker Group
collaborators: Mads Gjesing, Cj Group, Spangenberg & Madsen, COWI
location: Nye, Aarhus

project team: Partners-in-Charge: Bjarke Ingels, Finn Nørkjær, David Zahle
project manager: Joos Jerne
design lead: Nanna Gyldholm Møller, Høgni Laksafoss
BIG landscape: Alexa Haraga, Anders Fønss, Camille Inès Sophie Breuil, Giulia Genovese, Lasse Ryberg Hansen, Ulla Hornsyld
BIG engineering: Andrea Hektor, Andreas Bak, Andrew Robert Coward, Bjarke Koch-Ørvad, Cecilie Søs Brandt-Olsen, Duncan Horswill, Ewa Zapiec, Ivaylo Ignatov, Jesper Kanstrup Petersen, Jonathan Otis Navntoft Russell, Kaoan Hengles De Lima, Kristoffer Negendahl, Mikki Seidenschnur, Peter Andres Ehvert, Timo Harboe Nielsen, Tristan Robert Harvey
team: Norbert Nadudvari, Wiktor Kacprzak, Axelle Bosman, Liliane Wenner, Christine Mulvad, Joanna Jakubowska, Johanna Schneider, Richard Garth Howis, Xinying Zhang, Mikkel M. R. Stubgaard, Katarina Mácková, Sean Edmund Deering, Søren Aagaard, Pawel Bussold, Mantas Povilaika, Espen Vik, Lucian Tofan, Jesper Bo Jensen