SOMMERHUS - an ecological reinterpretation of Danish summer houses on the Jutland Peninsula

Academy of Art in Szczecin / Akademia Sztuki w Szczecinie

Idea projektu

The core idea behind the Sommerhus project was to create contemporary homes that respond to today’s environmental challenges while drawing on traditional building techniques and cultural values. The goal was to find a balance between modern innovation and local heritage, showing that architecture does not have to choose between progress and tradition — it can combine both in a meaningful and functional way.

The project was inspired by historical construction methods, particularly the use of rammed earth walls and ceramic stoves as heating sources and social anchors within the home. One of the greatest challenges was using rammed earth as the primary structural material. Despite its excellent properties — such as low carbon footprint, durability, and thermal mass — it remains rarely used in modern architecture. This project involved in-depth research into the technique, creating test samples by hand, and adapting the method to meet current technical and regulatory standards.

The decision to work with locally sourced materials significantly reduced CO₂ emissions related to transportation and supported the principles of circular economy. Thanks to the use of natural, non-toxic components, the buildings are not only more sustainable but also easier to disassemble and recycle at the end of their life cycle. This contributes to a healthier living environment and a more resilient architectural model.

Another key element was the reintroduction of traditional ceramic stoves in the interior design. Beyond their role as an ecological and efficient heating source, these stoves create a sense of warmth, community, and continuity — anchoring the household in a slower, more mindful rhythm of living. This design choice echoes the values of slow living, encouraging a lifestyle connected to nature and shared human experience.

Sommerhus is a demonstration that it is possible to create modern architecture that is deeply rooted in tradition and local context. It represents a vision for the future of building — one that does not overpower the natural landscape but coexists with it, offering spaces that are sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and conducive to a high quality of life. In the face of climate crisis and growing urban pressures, we believe the future lies in solutions that combine technological efficiency with traditional wisdom and environmental respect.

Popis projektu

This project presents a design for a series of holiday cottages (Danish: "sommerhus", plural: "sommerhuse") based on environmentally responsible construction methods. The cottages are located in Hirtshals, a town on the Jutland Peninsula in Denmark, selected for its unique coastal landscape and the characteristic greenery found along the Jutland shoreline.
The project explores the creation of a residential space that embodies the Danish concept of hygge—a sense of comfort, simplicity, and well-being—while incorporating innovative ecological solutions. It promotes harmony between humans and nature through thoughtful architectural and interior design. The scope of the project includes both the architectural concept of the cottages and a detailed design of their interior spaces.
The main motivation behind the project was the pursuit of sustainable architecture and a desire to find a balance between traditional materials and modern needs. Natural, locally sourced materials were prioritized throughout the design process. The walls of the cottages are made of rammed earth, complemented by wood, traditionally fired ceramic tiles, and panels made of sea grass.
The project is addressed primarily to Danish users and aligns with their way of life, which places great emphasis on closeness to nature, community, and simplicity. However, the ecological and spatial solutions used in this project may serve as inspiration for similar developments in other regions.
Two primary cottage types were developed as part of the concept. The first is a 4-person sommerhus, designed for a typical family of four (2+2). The second is a 2-person sommerhus, based on the same spatial and material concept as the larger version, but adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. This unit features full accessibility for wheelchair users, with the removal of architectural barriers and an emphasis on ergonomics.
A key element connecting different types of cottages is a central module, or connector, which creates a shared space that supports user interaction and social integration. This modular design approach also allows for flexible spatial configurations. Three basic layouts have been proposed:

house plan 01: 4-person sommerhus + connector + 2-person sommerhus

house plan 02: 4-person sommerhus + connector + 4-person sommerhus

house plan 03: 2-person sommerhus + connector + 2-person sommerhus

One of the most characteristic features of the design is the use of rammed earth walls. These walls, made from compacted soil taken directly from the construction site, blend naturally with the surrounding environment. Their earthy texture and tones bring the landscape into the interior space, creating a strong sense of place.
The use of rammed earth significantly reduces carbon emissions, not only because of the material’s natural properties, but also due to the elimination of long-distance transport. Its high thermal mass helps retain heat in winter and keep interiors cool in summer, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. Additionally, buildings constructed with this technique are easier to dismantle and the materials can be reused, making them fully recyclable.
Although rammed earth has a long history as a construction method, it remains a niche technology in contemporary architecture. With this project, we aimed to test and prove its potential in a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing context.
Inside each cottage, the living area includes a dining room, living room, and a ceramic-tiled stove kitchen. The traditional wood-fired ceramic stoves act as the heart of the house. They combine several functions: they serve as the primary heat source, provide a cooking area, and enhance the atmosphere with their presence and design. Their use reflects the project’s intention to connect with traditional values while addressing current environmental and social concerns.
Creating the warm, welcoming feeling associated with the Danish concept of hygge was one of the central goals of the project. This was achieved through the use of soft, natural materials such as linen and cotton, a warm and earthy color palette, and tactile, comforting textures throughout the interior design.
The connector between houses consists of three functional spaces. The first is a bathing zone, equipped with a traditional wooden hot tub and outdoor shower, designed to provide relaxation in close contact with nature. The second is a winter garden, filled with local plants and herbs, which allows users to grow and enjoy their own natural resources. The third is a fireplace area, designed for outdoor cooking and social gatherings, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on shared experience and community.
This project responds to the urgent need for environmentally responsible construction, in line with Danish lifestyle values. It highlights the importance of human connection to nature and demonstrates that ecological, inclusive, and modern architecture can be rooted in tradition while offering real improvements to everyday life.

Technické informace

The Sommerhus is a single-storey building with a mono-pitched roof and is surrounded by a wooden terrace that integrates the cottage with its natural surroundings. Accessibility has been ensured through the inclusion of a gently sloped ramp for wheelchair users, making the building fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The load-bearing external walls are constructed using the rammed earth technique, formed within wooden formwork and compacted between structural timber beams. These walls are 120 cm thick, ensuring exceptional thermal mass, durability, and insulation. The interior partition walls are made of 15 cm-thick earth blocks, providing structural cohesion while maintaining a natural material palette.
The ceiling is filled with ecological acoustic panels manufactured by Søuld, made from eelgrass harvested from the sea. These panels not only improve acoustics and indoor comfort but also contribute to the building’s sustainable material profile.
The interiors are completed with custom-made wooden built-in furniture and traditional tiled stoves, which serve both as heating systems and fully functional kitchen units. The kitchen areas are finished with KARAK ceramic tiles, known for their handcrafted quality and durability.
The design is enriched with natural fabrics, such as linen and cotton, used in curtains, upholstery, and soft furnishings, creating a cozy, healthy indoor atmosphere aligned with the hygge concept.
Together, these solutions form a building that is not only environmentally conscious but also technically innovative, accessible, and rooted in both tradition and contemporary sustainable practices.

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