Berlin-based Danish architect Sigurd Larsen has designed these two larch houses as a sustainable and affordable model for the development of "organic" housing, called Frikøbing, in Hvalsø, Denmark.
The houses have slight variations, but are designed to use passive cooling and heating to reduce energy consumption. Green House has an area of 82 m2, with a winter garden of 32 m2 and costs less than 230 000 €, while Light House houses an area of 135 m2 at the price of 270 000 €.
At present, only one specimen of each house has been built, but Larsen has planned to build others on the site. All future homes will be designed in a customized way for families according to their needs and budgets. The development plan of the region requires high durability for building materials, insulation, energy and air circulation.
Light House is a three-bedroom residence with a large living room open in the center, is covered with untreated larch boards. The sloping roof creates a high ceiling above the living room, and offers a mezzanine space for a guest bedroom or office. Irregular windows are placed to give residents a specific view of the landscape or to capture the sunlight at different points of the day. The windows have triple glazing to keep the internal temperature constant. White painted walls, concrete floors and pale larch details help to reflect light and create a uniform appearance.
Green House shares the same shape, but has a glass volume on its south side. The generously sized winter garden compensates for the slightly smaller floor area of the main house. Like Light House, it has a simple arrangement of parts designed to help reduce construction costs. The bedrooms and the bathroom are located on the north side, while the living space opens onto the greenhouse. The greenhouse is designed to collect heat from the day and help warm the house. The entire space is lined with birch plywood panels.