From traditional farmhouse to stylish concrete residence

The couple Marianne and Henry Jørgensen have built their dream house on an adjoining plot to the old farm where they used to live, exchanging farmhouse idyll with stylish design and exclusive materials. Two types of Troldtekt acoustic panels have been chosen for the ceilings.

Marianne and Henry Jørgensen have built their new home on a hilltop in north Jutland overlooking the islands of Fur and Livø, Vitskøl Abbey and the village of Ertebølle. They are surrounded by fields, with only 300 metres to the shores of the Limfjorden.

But the Salling peninsula is by no means unfamiliar territory for the couple. They previously lived on the farm next door, which is where Henry grew up. For many years they farmed the land for their neighbour, but when the neighbour wanted to sell, they seized the opportunity to buy a plot on which to build their new home.

Marianne and Henry Jørgensen’s new house is made of concrete, with the layout emulating the traditional farmstead with four wings arranged around a central atrium and vaulted rooms throughout. Large windows provide magnificent views of Limfjorden and the surrounding countryside, while the skylights let in plenty of daylight. The design is simple and stylish – in contrast to the classic farmhouse idyll, which is exactly the point.

“I was born and raised in the city in an architect-designed house, and I loved it. We have now lived on a farm that dated back to 1787, and we no longer want to spend all our time doing repairs and improvements. On top of which, we both like the raw look,” says Marianne Jørgensen.

The interior designer Søren Vester has assisted with the design, but it was the couple who came up with the basic idea for the project.

An unconventional home

Barely two years after the first proposals were sketched, the concrete house was ready for occupation.

“We have used local architects, suppliers and tradesmen. You don’t have to live in a large town or city to build a cool house. Out here in the countryside, it’s not only standard solutions you come across, but also unconventional designs built to solid and skilled craftsmanship standards,” says Marianne Jørgensen. 

The materials are maintenance-free, which was a conscious choice. The basic material is concrete, which is clearly evident from both the floors and walls, outside and inside. For the dividing walls, a local flooring company has supplied Douglas fir for a warm and organic look.

“We’ve tried to create a cosy feel by using carefully selected classic designer furniture and art, personal pictures for the walls and a large sofa. More green plants will make it even more homely, and in the wing to the south, where we have window walls, we are planning to grow tomato plants and lemon trees,” says Marianne Jørgensen.

Black Troldtekt panels tie the rooms together

Marianne and Henry Jørgensen have added several smart details to their home, including an installation profile between the Troldtekt acoustic panels and the wall from which they can suspend shelves or pictures using hooks.

Troldtekt acoustic panels have been installed on all the ceilings in the house. In the main room with the kitchen, dining area and living room, black Troldtekt line was chosen, with the distinctive milled grooves extending all the way up to the point at which the ceiling surfaces meet. In the bedrooms, bathrooms and in the garage, classic black Troldtekt acoustic panels have been installed.

“We love Troldtekt, and we were never in any doubt about wanting Troldtekt. Having Troldtekt line in the kitchen-dining room has improved the acoustics significantly, on top of which the design creates a nice and cosy atmosphere. The sound is much better than what you would expect of a property with so many hard surfaces,” says Marianne.