The Danish ERIK architects have designed a new and visible production kitchen for the care centre Klarahus on Nørrebro, Copenhagen, to spread joy and create a better connection between the residents' everyday lives and the surrounding community.
A small building with a strong impact
In the middle of the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, you can find De Gamles By (City of the Elderly), formerly a closed neighbourhood of care homes and housing for the elderly. Now open to the public, you can visit the care centre Klarahus.
Today, cooking is recognised as an art, and the meal is seen as an unforgettable experience speaking to all our senses. So why is the production of food for our elderly citizens hidden in a clinically white room full of stainless steel and non-slip floors? The goal of this project was to show all citizens that care was taken to make high-quality meals for the elderly, and that happy employees make high-quality meals. The chefs were involved in the project from the beginning to ensure an attractive and supportive working environment. That resulted in a building of 250 m2 (+ 250 m2 conversion of existing building) connected to the main building by glass corridors and a core containing storage, fridge, and freezer as well as dishes. An architectural requirement was that the building should be a green element in the garden space and appeal to all the residents with its appearance. The green facades appear naturally chilling and are the first facades in Denmark that are a part of a Local Rainwater Harvesting (LAR) project.
About ERIK architects
With offices in Viborg, Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, and Copenhagen, ERIK architects are one of the largest and oldest architectural companies in Denmark with roots dating back to 1930. Over the years, the company has built up a solid experience with architectural and client consultancy within all variants of new construction, renovation, cultural heritage, interior design, and behaviour. Based on their Scandinavian roots, ERIK architects work every day to create timeless and durable architectural solutions.