Skagen Klitgård House / PAX Architects

Architects: PAX Architects
Area: 288 m²
Year: 2021
Photography: Coast Studio
Manufacturers: Dinesen
Project Development: Mathias Brockdorff
City: Skagen
Country: Denmark

The Skagen summer house, designed by PAX Architects, elegantly blends tradition with family-centric modern living. Situated in Denmark’s northernmost town, the house draws from the historical use of shipwrecked timber during Skagen’s Black Period, featuring a black-painted wooden exterior and a thatched roof. Inside, the design fosters a sense of unity under one roof, offering both communal and private spaces that cater to a multi-generational family. The strategic use of materials and spatial planning emphasizes a connection with nature and advanced acoustic design enhances the peaceful environment. This architectural exploration not only pays homage to local heritage but also innovates on how space can serve familial bonds.

Located at the northern tip of Denmark, the summer house in Skagen honors both the local architectural heritage and the town’s history. The choice of materials for the summer house was inspired by homes constructed during Skagen’s Black Period when charred wood from shipwrecks was commonly used. The house features a black-painted wooden exterior and a thatched roof.

The primary focus in designing the interior was on promoting a sense of togetherness, even if one is alone in the house. The design was intended to accommodate the varied spatial needs of three generations, creating both open areas for gatherings, such as the central kitchen, and private nooks for solitude. Despite these variations, a continuous pitched roof extends over all spaces, reinforcing the concept of unity.

To enhance inclusivity further, particular attention was paid to the acoustics by integrating an acoustic ceiling to reduce noise. The layout is defined by fluid zones that allow for both quiet solitude and active family engagement without losing visual or spatial continuity.

Key design elements include the use of freestanding structures like fireplaces to define different zones while maintaining clear sightlines across the long facades of the house. This approach not only unifies the internal spaces but also connects the house to its surroundings.

The kitchen, positioned as the heart of the home, is strategically placed to connect the ground and upper floors and overlooks the dining area. Large windows on either side enhance the interaction between the indoor and outdoor environments, supported by thick oak frames that blur the boundaries between the two.

In personal areas like the multi-purpose room behind the kitchen, the ceiling is intentionally lowered to differentiate these more intimate spaces from the open, social areas, thus varying the atmosphere within the home.

The interior’s muted colors highlight the natural beauty of the landscape, merging wood with the natural environment. The sensory experience of the wood, including its texture, scent, and sound, complements the house’s design philosophy of being an integral part of nature.

Large visible wood sections, made from Douglas fir supplied by Dinesen, underscore the commitment to sustainability and quality, sourced from responsibly managed forests in France and Germany. The collaboration with Dinesen was crucial to achieving the high-quality finish and precise outcomes desired for the project.