“One of Gentofte’s ugliest houses” Poul Henningsen himself called it. Can you believe it? This unassuming villa before you is Villa Poul Henningsen. Designed by the iconic Danish architect and lighting designer himself it’s a fascinating paradox of form and function.
Built in 1937 this modest home represents a radical departure from traditional Danish architecture. Imagine prefabricated concrete blocks iron doors and windows coated in red lead paint. No pastels no charming gables just bold industrial materials. Poul and Else Henningsen their two children lived here until their separation in 1942. The villa has since passed through three private owners before Realdania By & Byg acquired it in 2014. Its architectural significance led to its designation as a protected building in 1995.
The interior is equally unconventional. Think erotic wallpaper depicting naked women a playful rebellion against the sensibilities of the time. There’s no grand dining room instead a communal family room a concept far ahead of its time. The layout is ingenious with multiple levels and sliding doors creating a sense of openness and fluidity unusual for the era. Separate entrances and bathrooms for adults and children showcase Henningsen’s forward-thinking approach to family life. The teenagers’ bedroom connects directly to the dining area providing space for socializing jazz music and possibly a little smoking.
The house covers 202 square meters with a 72 square meter basement. It sits on a sloping plot near Gentofte’s water tower land originally part of Jens Moller-Jensen’s property. The use of prefabricated concrete blocks was innovative for the time a new building material that was just being approved. The exterior walls were insulated with two-centimeter-thick cork plates adding to the uniqueness.
Despite its austere exterior and its unconventional features the villa embodies Poul Henningsen’s unique design philosophy. It’s a testament to his progressive ideas and his refusal to conform to architectural norms. It’s a thought-provoking space a bold experiment in family living. Villa Poul Henningsen is more than just a house it’s a historical artifact a piece of Danish architectural history. A true reflection of the man himself.