Did you know that the design for Vulkanen student housing arose from a subsidised housing scheme? It was created for young residents in the north harbour area of Aarhus, Denmark. Welcome to Vulkanen.
Vulkanen is not just another student accommodation. It is a statement of modern architectural innovation. Vulkanen stands as a unique housing building for young people. It promotes socialization among its residents.
In partnership with CUBO Arkitekter, TERROIR won the competition to design this building. This economical project is formed as a concrete mass. It sits on the concrete apron of the waterfront. Its blunt mass and detailing appealed to the competition jury. They noted that the formal expression is genuinely original and atypical. It goes beyond historical reference.
Large incisions are carved into the concrete monolith. These incisions set up a dialogue. It is a dialogue between an uncompromising urban form and what it contains. Glimpses of a dynamic colorful inner self are revealed through these cuts. The jury found that these cuts open the box. They show its varied and colorful inner confirms. This confirms Vulkanen as a building for young people in the new part of the city.
Vulkanen has seven floors of stacked small flats for students. It surrounds an access atrium space. This space is defined by a color scheme. The scheme changes from yellow to bright red at the top floors. This is in contrast to the stark concrete facings inside and out. The yellow access area is extracted to the exterior. The red is likewise exposed on the roof terraces. In the panoptical interior, the changing colors are reflected in guards and railings.
The cubic form of Vulkanen is an integral part of the energy-efficient design. It ensures a very compact volume. It provides the best possible views for all residents. The atrium is included in the body of the building. Heating it to 20 degrees Celsius ensures a minimum surface area. Thus, significantly less energy is used for heating Vulkanen.
The building is oriented with one corner facing south. This practically achieves two south facades. There is no direct north facade. This way, passive solar energy is used to its maximum. It makes the largest possible contribution to the building.
Vulkanen received the 2015 International Architecture Awards. It was awarded for Residential Architecture from The Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter.
As you stand here, consider how Vulkanen embodies innovation and community. Its striking design and sustainable features make it a noteworthy landmark in Aarhus. It is a testament to modern student living. Its unique architectural form fosters a vibrant and engaging environment for young residents. The building is more than just a place to live. Vulkanen is a place to thrive.