Pihlmann Architects has created four summer houses for four brothers in Rageleje, Denmark.
Located in the woods but near the ocean shore, the houses are characterised by a modest appearance and placed lightly on the ground. Every tree has been preserved and the buildings submit to their natural logic.
Photo
Hampus Berndtson
They are constructed from four different types of wood which are combined, assembled, and positioned according to their inherent qualities. Solid robinia is used for the exterior timber structure including the roofs and decks to withstand the rough weather and sandy soil. Robinia glulam constitutes the load-bearing structure due to its constructive strength.
Earthy nuances from the surroundings are refined on the inside. Furniture and lining are made of European pine, rich on figure and tactility, while slow-growing Douglas fir constitutes façade elements such as cladding, windows and doors. Flooring of handmade tiles provide a sense of weight that anchors the houses to the soil while allowing carefree movement between inside and outside.
The same programmatic core is repeated within all four buildings. Two annexes contain bedrooms and bathrooms while the two longer buildings additionally provide kitchens and living rooms. All the furniture, from cupboards and sinks, to handles, hinges and lamps, are made bespoke for the project.
