Ebeltoft, Denmark
Mette Tony and Mads Bjørn Hansen of Praksis Arkitekter collaborate with VMB Arkitekter and landscape architects Kristine Jensens Landskab & Arkitektur to undertake the project of transforming the iconic malt factory Maltfabrikken, dating back to 1861, into a vibrant International Arts Center, breathing new life into the emblematic red brick buildings at the top of the historic town of Ebeltoft.
This transformation project has been awarded a 2021 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The goal is to create a space where everyone is welcomed enjoying their daily activities, thus becoming an iconic landmark that creates new standards of a genuine and honest transformation.
The malt factory is transformed without losing its architectural peculiarity, character, and atmosphere.
To succeed in this, the architects are convinced that it requires a humble approach to this complex task.
The proposal is therefore developed on the basis of three concepts, which are about reinforcing, connecting, and anchoring:
- Strengthen the character of the buildings and of urban spaces.
- Connect the city and the sea, indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Anchor the already existing activities and initiatives.
The Malt Factory’s buildings and landscapes are a valuable and rich directory of spaces, constructions, stories, landscapes, and potentials.
Based on the unique qualities the place today possesses, the project seeks to reinforce the special character of the Malt factory so that urban spaces and buildings are connected with the market environment in the medieval street to the east and to the west the sea.
It also seeks to create a long-lasting and timeless transformation that also works at a second glance, and which inserts into the environment in a way that highlights the existing qualities.
Project: Maltfabrikken
Architects: Praksis Arkitekter
Design Team: Mette Tony and Mads Bjørn Hansen
Associate Architects: VMB Arkitekter
Landscape Architects: Kristine Jensens Landskab & Arkitektur
Client: Maltfabrikken
General Contractor: TH-Gruppen A/S
Photographer: Jens Lindhe
