Arkitema’s Post

Beautifully Patinated New-Build Townhouses In western Aarhus, Denmark, a new cluster of townhouses has risen from the ground. Trekanten (The Triangle) consists of small groups of houses, approximately half of which are clad in reused bricks. Situated at the borderland between the uniform concrete residential blocks of Gellerup and a neighborhood of 1960s single-story homes, Trekanten acts as a mediator between the two as a symbol of a new era for the area. Gellerup, a historically challenged neighborhood, is undergoing an extensive transformation. While some of the original residential blocks will remain, new homes are adding fresh layers to the urban fabric. Trekanten is composed of residential clusters of three or six terraced houses, staggered within a lush courtyard landscape. The varying heights, roof shapes, and façade expressions create a sense of a cohesive yet diverse ‘village community,’ where the houses feel distinct but still belong together. By using reused bricks, the ambition is that this addition to the neighborhood does not appear as yet another “brand-new” development but rather as a natural, low-key extension—already patinated and rich with history. The entire project has been certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel by Miljømærkning Danmark, with a strong focus on reducing its carbon footprint. One of the key measures has been the use of recycled bricks for façade cladding. Thanks to a great co-creation effort by our team consisting of AP Ejendomme, LB Consult - Norconsult A/S, and 5E Byg A/S, we have achieved a notably low footprint of just 7.7 kg CO₂ equivalents per m² per year. Photos by Thomas Mølvig and Arkitema