henning larsen's klaksvík row club is backdropped by the faroe islands' fjords

henning larsen's klaksvík row club is backdropped by the faroe islands' fjords

Klaksvík: A Town in Transformation

 

Henning Larsen‘s urban plan for Klaksvík, the Faroe Islands‘ second-largest town, places a new landmark at its center, the Klaksvík Row Club. This building isn’t just a functional space for athletes — it’s a celebration of Faroese sporting heritage and a welcoming destination for both locals and visitors. Perched along a scenic fjord, Klaksvík Row Club is establishing itself as a cultural hub, and is recognized by its sloping green roof and timber facade. Henning Larsen’s multi-faceted urban plan was initiated in 2018 and prioritizes pedestrian access and lively public spaces. The Row Club, alongside a children’s skating rink and central plaza, exemplifies this focus on community interaction. Just last year, the architects had revealed a mass-timber university building proposal for the Faroe Islands’ largest town, Tórshavn (see designboom’s coverage here).

henning larsen klaksvik rowimages © Nic Lehoux

 

 

henning larsen celebrates the legacy of rowing

 

With the design of its Klaksvík Row Club, the architects at Henning Larsen celebrate the significance of rowing, which is deeply embedded in Faroese culture. Here, athletes train year-round, using traditionally crafted wooden boats — a UNESCO-recognized symbol of intangible cultural heritage. The club’s design pays homage to this heritage.

Our design is rooted in Klaksvík’s landscape and culture,’ says Ósbjørn Jacobsen, Design Director for Henning Larsen in the Faroe Islands. The building’s sloping green roof and timber facade echo the surrounding natural beauty and traditional Faroese architecture, creating a dialogue between the built environment and the peaks of the fjord.

henning larsen klaksvik row
Henning Larsen designs Klaksvík Row Club, a new landmark in the Faroe Islands

 

 

more than just a boathouse

 

The 620-square-meter Klaksvík Row Club by Henning Larsen prioritizes both function and user experience. The expansive doors opening from the boat storage area directly onto the dock facilitate easy access to the water. Inside, the open timber interior provides space for training and socializing. Large windows and a loft area offer stunning scenic views and abundant natural light. The project transcends its role as a boathouse. It’s a public venue hosting events and exhibitions, showcasing the time-honored craft of Faroese boat building. During warmer months, the outdoor space transforms into a lively city corner with a cafe, further enhancing the community experience.

 

We wanted to create a space that goes beyond simple boat storage,’ says Jacobsen. ‘The open design fosters community use.’

henning larsen klaksvik row
Klaksvík is undergoing a transformation, with a focus on pedestrians and public spaces

 

 

The Klaksvík masterplan is well underway, with further plans to prioritize pedestrian access and expand public spaces. Henning Larsen’s design allows for adaptation, ensuring the town can evolve organically. The former post office, now a cultural house, shows this commitment to Klaksvík’s dynamic future.

henning larsen klaksvik row
rowing is a major part of Faroese culture, with traditionally built wooden boats
henning larsen's klaksvík row club is backdropped by the faroe islands' fjords
the Klaksvík Row Club design reflects the surrounding landscape and Faroese heritage

henning-larsen-faroe-islands-klaksvik-row-club-designboom-06a

the building offers functionality for athletes and a welcoming atmosphere for the community

henning larsen's klaksvík row club is backdropped by the faroe islands' fjords
the clubhouse is a venue for events, exhibitions, and a café during warmer months

henning-larsen-faroe-islands-klaksvik-row-club-designboom-08a

more than just a boathouse, the Klaksvík Row Club fosters community interaction

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architecture in the faroe islands (8)

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