Architectural gem with black acoustic ceilings

In Trekroner, a flourishing new urban district in Roskilde to the west of Copenhagen, lies a unique architect-designed house characterised by an uncompromising commitment to quality. The result is a distinctive home with high ceilings and elegant details.

This unique architectural gem sits proudly in the undulating landscape, with views over heathland, fields and woods. The ‘black box’, as the house has been nicknamed, belongs to Masi and Jimmi Normann-Balouch. Covering more than 200 square metres, the house was finished two years after they purchased the plot in Trekroner near Roskilde – a dream fulfilled. 

“It took us a long time to work out how we wanted the house to look. At one point we dreamt of building it from natural stone, or as a timber lake house. We ultimately chose a combination of concrete and fibre cement, and we’re extremely happy with the final result, having never compromised on quality,” says Masi Normann-Balouch.

The couple created the house in collaboration with architect Allan Lorenzen. Masi Normann-Balouch works in interior design, and chose the materials and designed the interiors. Her husband Jimmi Normann-Balouch is a professional carpenter, and works as a project manager in a construction company.

A love of contrasts

The couple’s sense of quality and attention to detail are evident in all aspects of the design, which draws elegantly on contrasts. The dark exterior walls contrast with the large, bright high-ceilinged rooms, and the heavy materials like the grey concrete tiles, the black ceilings and the dark kitchen, contrast beautifully with the glass bridge connecting the two floors, and the large green moss wall in the kitchen.

“We love the stringent look. Yet it has also been important to us to create a pleasant atmosphere. We’ve therefore gone to great lengths to soften the décor using plants and wooden materials,” says Masi Normann-Balouch.

Examples of this are the oak blinds and the outdoor shed with wood panel cladding.

Heart of the house

The heart of the house is the large combined kitchen/living room, where the couple enjoy entertaining visitors. Particularly their extended families – numbering up to 40 people when everyone comes together. They have therefore also thought carefully about the acoustics and gone for black acoustic ceilings from Troldtekt throughout the entire home. 

“The black ceiling is elegant and creates a sense of the infinite. It matches the dark exterior walls, while also guaranteeing excellent acoustics, making up for the hard materials and high ceilings,” says Masi Normann-Balouch.

The combined kitchen/living room is timelessly and elegantly furnished, with classic leather chairs, a green marble table and golden light fixtures.

Inspiration from abroad

The two floors are connected by a floating glass bridge that joins the large social kitchen/living room with the more secluded sleeping quarters. The design of the top floor is clearly inspired by the couple’s many trips abroad. The master bedroom is combined with a spa area, with a recessed Jacuzzi and views over green fields.

“We’ve travelled both in Thailand and the Maldives and enjoyed the luxury of hotel rooms with built-in relaxation areas. We’ve drawn inspiration from these, but remained rooted in a minimalist Nordic look that matches the rest of the interiors,” says Masi Normann-Balouch.