Sneglehusene Housing l BIG

Sneglehusene Housing, a visionary project by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), stands as a remarkable contribution to the ambitious master plan of Nye, an evolving neighborhood situated to the north of Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus. Distinctively conceptualized as a porous wall, this architectural marvel comprises six interconnected buildings that elegantly curve around a serene pond and a verdant boardwalk at the heart of the burgeoning development.

Sneglehusene Housing’s Design Concept

At the core of Sneglehusene Housing lies a unique arrangement of two types of stacked modules, ingeniously repeated to give rise to its signature checkered pattern. These modules boast differing ceiling heights of 2.5 and 3.5 meters, respectively, their artful stacking culminating in spacious indoor realms adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows and complemented by an outdoor terrace in each dwelling.

Taking the entire experience a step further, BIG Landscape has thoughtfully crafted the surroundings of Sneglehusene Housing. The interconnected network of green pathways and communal gathering spots interspersed between the structures not only offers charming alcoves for neighborly interactions and playful pursuits but also seamlessly integrates with the natural environment. Commanding the center stage within Sneglehusene Housing is an exquisite artificial pond, carving out a tranquil sanctuary for the community to unwind and connect.

Beyond its aesthetic prowess, the pond serves a pragmatic purpose by effectively managing the runoff of rainwater, artfully channeled towards it through an intricate network of canals that are ingeniously woven into the site’s layout. In a feat of sustainability and innovation, the pond is intricately linked to a cutting-edge system for reusing and redistributing graywater. Crafted in collaboration with the local water plant, Aarhus Vand, this system ingeniously collects, cleans, and rechannels water from across the Nye neighborhood, providing a responsible and eco-conscious means for activities such as toilet flushing and laundry.

Sneglehusene Housing signifies the second remarkable partnership between BIG and Cj Group, following the triumph of the ‘Dortheavej Residences’ in Copenhagen, Denmark. This evolution of the modular housing concept embodies the team’s tireless commitment to refining design and functionality. The rare opportunity to shape and adapt this concept within the burgeoning Nye neighborhood is a testament to the forward-thinking vision behind Sneglehusene Housing and its pivotal role in reshaping contemporary communal living.

Project Info:

Architects: BIG
Area: 9500 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST
Partners In Charge: Bjarke Ingels, Finn Nørkjær, David Zahle
Project Manager: Joos Jerne
Design Lead: Nanna Gyldholm Møller, Høgni Laksafoss
Big Landscape: Alexa Haraga, Anders Fønss, Camille Inès Sophie Breuil, Giulia Genovese, Lasse Ryberg Hansen, Ulla Hornsyld
Big Engineering: Andrea Hektor, Andreas Bak, Andrew Robert Coward, Bjarke Koch-Ørvad, Cecilie Søs Brandt-Olsen, Duncan Horswill, Ewa Zapiec, Ivaylo Ignatov, Jesper Kanstrup Petersen, Jonathan Otis Navntoft Russell, Kaoan Hengles De Lima, Kristoffer Negendahl, Mikki Seidenschnur, Peter Andres Ehvert, Timo Harboe Nielsen, Tristan Robert Harvey
Team: Norbert Nadudvari, Wiktor Kacprzak, Axelle Bosman, Liliane Wenner, Christine Mulvad, Joanna Jakubowska, Johanna Schneider, Richard Garth Howis, Xinying Zhang, Mikkel M. R. Stubgaard, Katarina Mácková, Sean Edmund Deering, Søren Aagaard, Pawel Bussold, Mantas Povilaika, Espen Vik, Lucian Tofan, Jesper Bo Jensen
City: Aarhus
Country: Denmark