Skybox House / Primus architects

Architect: Primus architects, atelier + production
Location: Zealand, Denmark
Project team: David Bülow-Jacobsen (architect maa, partner), Per Appel (architect maa, partner), Caspar Wissing (student of architecture)
Client: Jakob Lundsteen og Susanne Mahler
All construction: Primus architects, atelier + production
Site Area: 1,200 sqm
Constructed Area: 75 sqm
Project year: 2009
Photographs: Tina Krogager

The project is situated by the coast of the north of Zealand, Denmark.

With 2 bedrooms it offers a total of 75 m2 of living space. The plot is a partitioning of a larger plot belonging to an old thatched house and is partly enclosed by trees. The two buildings, inhabited by two generations, share the garden, and in the layout of the site plan attention has been given to providing both separate and common spaces.

The main focus has been to add spatiality and experience of light to the relatively small program. The plan sets the bedrooms apart from the large living space and introduces an open hallway. Diagonal views stretch out through the whole building. In working with the section ceiling height is minimized and “sky-boxes” are added to provide space and air.

The large glazed openings incorporate the sky as a 5th façade. Large sliding doors lets the in- and outside melt together.

The balloon frame construction sits on the exposed concrete base. 30 x 30 mm oak lists wrap the building. The lists are treated with iron sulfate which darkens and enhances the structure of the wood . Floor boards are oak as well. Insulation is mineral wool, roof 300 mm, walls 150 mm.

Heating is provided by a heat pump integrated in the wall, reducing heating costs and CO2 emission. The “sky-boxes” ventilate the space trough natural chimney effect. A cast iron stove is for additional heating.