Picture these charming yellow brick houses. They are the SØholm Row Houses. Nestled in Klampenborg just north of Copenhagen they are more than just homes. They represent a pivotal moment in Danish architectural history. Designed by the renowned Arne Jacobsen these houses were completed between 1945 and 1954. They marked a shift for Jacobsen. He moved away from his earlier white-plastered Functionalism. SØholm embraces a more traditional brick construction. This style is what architect Kay Fisker termed Functional Tradition. It was inspired by Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint’s Grundtvig’s Church also built of yellow brick.
The SØholm complex isn’t just one building. It’s three distinct groups of houses. There’s SØholm I to the south with five houses. SØholm II to the west boasts nine houses. Finally SØholm III to the north has four. Each section showcases Jacobsen’s ingenuity. Each house is unique.
Let’s talk about SØholm I. The five houses are staggered. They are separated by intermediate structures and noticeable chimneys. The roofs are a marvel of design. They are divided into two sections. These sections slope in opposite directions. A vertical window sits in the middle. This innovative roof design significantly contributed to Jacobsen’s international acclaim. To maximize sea views living rooms are on the first floor. They have balconies and steps leading down to dining rooms with unusually high ceilings. The kitchens are on the ground floor. From there stairs lead to a cellar including a garage.
Imagine this. In 1951 Arne Jacobsen himself moved into the SØholm I house closest to the sea. He lived there until his death in 1971. He even used the house as his design studio. He added an extension. He intentionally left the area treeless to preserve the sea views. However he created a stunning garden with over 300 plant varieties. Today this house is owned by Realdania. It has been meticulously restored. It is open to the public a few times a year.
The SØholm II houses are further back from the sea. They’re divided into two wings. This design cleverly accommodates a group of beautiful old plane trees. Each house has 130 square meters of living space. The L-shaped living rooms on the ground floor have fireplaces and adjoining kitchens. The bedrooms are upstairs. The roofs here are also distinctive. They slope down past the balconies and windows in east-facing niches.
SØholm III is different again. Its four houses are staggered. They are only one story high. This preserves the views for everyone. They are deep rectangular boxes. The kitchens and halls are in the center of each house. The staggered design maximizes natural light. Living rooms are on the south side next to sunken patios. The bedrooms on the northwest side are the highest rooms. This is due to the sloping roof. The facades feature a glass and wooden frame between yellow brick bearing walls.
The SØholm Row Houses are a testament to Arne Jacobsen’s genius. They beautifully blend traditional Danish building techniques with innovative modern design. These houses are not just a collection of homes. They represent a remarkable achievement in architecture. They stand as a symbol of Denmark’s post-war architectural renaissance. They are a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and anyone appreciating great design.