The House of Generations

The House of Generations in Nivå accommodates a new school, with an after-school care, a sports hall, an indoor swimming pool as well as the renovation and expansion of the existing library/cultural centre.

The project challenges the institutional framework of traditional school buildings by integrating additional public functions, available to all citizens, and by serving as an urban landmark for the town centre of Nivå, providing the neighbourhood with a new central identity. Bringing together several public functions in the House of Generations will ensure a buzzing atmosphere throughout the day, where citizens of all generations can encounter one another.

Starting with the new public school, the House of Generations creates a new sustainable heart in the town centre – an open rendezvous that both physically and mentally connects Nivå through site specific architecture, nature, and urban spaces.

The school and the surrounding buildings are designed as an inclusive cluster of structures that flow between the surrounding urban spaces and buildings and connects them. The building embraces a public square and consists of three primary sections, all dedicated to different school functions. Facilities for workshops, music, and mobility extends toward the immediate surrounding outdoor areas, as well as the inner square, and enables outdoor teachings and activities. These outdoor learning spaces are then further supplemented by ‘learning satellites’ in the wild nature.

The House of Generations includes a broad range of public functions. All connected across the different buildings through the sustainable strategy of co-use as well as an ambitious urban plan and landscape project. The school becomes a key factor – offering numerous functions available for all citizens to use.

Through its materiality, the school and the newly established surrounding squares all refer to the historical tradition of brick manufacturing in Nivå. In combination with a wooden grid structure, the materials establish a framework for life in and among the buildings.

The project is certified by DGNB in the Gold category.