Realdania/Dinesen
Our Place
- PhotographerMonica Grue Steffensen
SØREN ROSE The four spaces Fællestaget, Naturbasen, Værkstedet, and Udestuen are sketched in a collaboration between the architectural studios Reværk, Cobe, Archival Studies, Pihlmann Architects, Rumgehør, and Studio XYZ. The buildings serve as open invitations for communal meals under the sky, trips into the landscape, crafting with hands, repairing with care, play, connection, and growth and is a gift to Denmark from the Realdania foundation. The majority of the construction contains recycled wood, tiles, and roofing. Moreover, the spaces are designed to endure and be utilised for many years. If a community space reaches a point where it must be dismantled, the construction design allows for easy disassembly, maximising the potential for recycling materials in the structure. The natural materials and open construction makes the spaces light and inviting.
The project
“Our Place” (Vores Sted) is a nationwide initiative by Realdania celebrating its 25th anniversary. The project donates up to 150 small community pavilions (30–38 m²) to local groups across Denmark, creating simple, flexible, and sustainable meeting places for activities such as workshops, communal dining, and nature experiences. Designed by leading Danish architects with a strong focus on recycled materials and low-impact construction, the pavilions come in four types and are gifted free of charge — with communities taking responsibility for use and upkeep. The aim is to strengthen local ties, reduce loneliness, and improve quality of life through shared spaces.
Dinesen has pledged to deliver 500 m³ of reclaimed and off-grade Douglas and Pine planks, adding warmth, authenticity, and a strong material presence to the community pavilions. In doing so, Dinesen provides the sustainable timber foundation of the project, enriching both the architectural expression and the sensory experience of these shared spaces.
