livsrum cancer care center by arcgency emulates nature in denmark

livsrum cancer care center by arcgency emulates nature in denmark
all images courtesy of arcgency

in order to create a tranquil and home-like facility, the ‘livsrum’ cancer care center in vejle, denmark has been designed to emulate the surrounding natural environment. in developing the scheme, copenhagen-based architecture office arcgency sought to translate the daylight, subtle material palette, and organic shapes of the landscape, to create a structure that is inviting to inhabit and expressive in appearance. from a distance, the building is characterized on its exterior by a screen of vertical larch slats, which complements the adjacent vegetation and contrasts the nearby concrete hospital.

surrounded by vegetation, the building seeks to emulate the surrounding environment

the timber slats produce a more visually dynamic façade around the building. at times the exteriors seem entirely surfaced in wood, while at other vantage points the spaces are clearly identified. the shadows cast by the vertical members contrast the bright aluminum behind, furthermore adding to a varied appearance.

large windows break the wood-slat façade for many views and plentiful daylight

livsrum has been envisioned as a place where inhabitants feel at home, rather than like a patient or guest, with spaces intended to provide casual and calm atmospheres. the scheme is composed of four distinct building volumes that are connected internally. this serves to break down the large scale of the facility into more intimate spaces, and also create outdoor patio areas. interior surfaces are finished in white and light-toned woods, in order to depict the subtle weather changes while also reflecting colors of the trees and sunsets. the arrangement centers around a double-height communal space which receives plentiful daylight from all sides.

the building volumes take curving forms to reflect the natural landscape

the structural layout provides for outdoor patios

the larch external screen creates a visually dynamic façade

the layout centers around a luminous double-height common space

the aluminum cladding is fully exposed on the north side

the upper most level features a roof deck

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project info:

location: vejle, denmark
completed: 2013
area: building 1450 sqm / landscape 3200 sqm
client: the danish cancer society
architects: arcgency
landscape: schul landskab
general contractor: raunstrup
engineers: hundsbæk & henriksen
photography: arcgency