The Fredensborg housing estate

Facts

Terraces for expatriate Danes

By Anne-Louise Sommer, Mag.art. i litteraturvidenskab fra Københavns Universitet, 1987 (11 stories)

During 1962-63, architect Jørn Utzon built an atrium housing estate near Fredensborg. The basic concept of Terrasserne" is a simple architectural design varied and staggered with the ground conditions in a landscaped setting. A total of 30 terraced houses with gardens and 47 L-shaped atrium houses form a three-winged estate. The homes were built of tiles and wood, traditional Danish materials. Utzon originally called the concept "private life". His aim was to balance private space with scope for community life in the public areas. The residents can spend time together or alone as they please. Terrasserne is an early example of "close and low" housing architecture. "

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Return home to Danes Worldwide

Story written by Anne-Louise Sommer

Time / Periode 1962 1963

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In 1919, Dansk Samvirke or Danes Worldwide saw the light of day. Its purpose was to promote and strengthen relations between Danes abroad and at home while spreading knowledge of Denmark. Danes Worldwide owns Terrasserne" and rents the houses out on attractive terms to Danish expatriates returning home. The housing estate is a mini-society. Residents can meet in a community centre with facilities for eating together, clubs and guest houses. This supports the community ideas behind Danes Worldwide. Utzon's architecture is anchored in Danish building culture while being inspired by international trends such as Japanese, Spanish and Moorish architecture. "Terrasserne" combines external end internal elements in one setting for Danes returning home. "