Fredensborg Annex
From stable to royal circular annex
Located at Fredensborg Palace, a disused workshop is transformed into a modern annex of sustainable architecture. This project serves as a powerful proof of concept, demonstrating how radical material upcycling achieves an exceptionally low carbon footprint without compromising quality.
Guided by the philosophy that form follows availability, the Annex turns discarded resources into profound architectural value. By reusing materials directly on site, from original concrete to rescued marble, the building proves that apparent waste is an invaluable treasure. It stands as a statement of possibility, inviting you to discover how tomorrow’s architecture can be beautifully crafted from the resources of the past.
Location
Fredensborg, Denmark
Area
140 m2
Typology
Housing
Collaborators
Holst Engeneering ApS
Iver Entreprise
Ekolab
Year
2021 – 2025
Status
Completed
Client
Kongehuset
Services
Architectural consulting
Photos by
Bo Bedre
Its design features a grand wooden framework utilizing repurposed historical ceiling joists, allowing the space to open completely while minimizing the need for newly produced structural elements. Large folding glass doors blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, seamlessly weaving the Annex into the adjacent garden, that actively supports local ecosystems.
The tactile quality of reused materials highlights how the natural light and organic textures create a profound sense of calm. Beyond physical comfort, the deeply sustainable concept itself is motivating, giving users a sense of pride in utilizing a building that actively challenges the throwaway culture.
‘When you step inside, you are enveloped by a very special sense of calm – the play of light, the scent of wood, the neutral colors, the organic materials, and the view of nature and our wild garden. It is almost like sitting in the middle of nature, with the knowledge that everyone involved did everything they could to minimize consumption and the environmental footprint during the building process; it’s a good feeling. I also enjoy seeing others’ reactions when they come for a meeting in the annex for the first time. I notice what they notice, and I tell the story behind it to anyone who will listen.’
HM Queen Mary of Denmark
From article in Bo Bedre
