House reconstruction project Copenhagen

Developed in October 2020, this house reconstruction project in Copenhagen, Denmark, serves as an excellent example of how to rationally increase the living space of a compact cottage. By utilizing modern, energy-efficient technologies, the living area was expanded without placing significant structural loads on the land plot or the existing foundations.

Fig. 1 Photograph of the existing house before the design stage.

Initial Building Condition and Layout Analysis

The modernization object is a small brick house with a mansard roof built in 1990. The main structural feature of the building is the presence of a full-scale basement under the entire footprint. Since the basement windows are located entirely above the ground level, the first-floor floor level sits significantly higher relative to the natural topography of the site. This condition dictated the specifics of all subsequent architectural solutions.

Fig. 2 Ground floor plan before reconstruction.

The geometric dimensions of the initial building plan are 7.52 x 8.67 m. Before the remodeling work, the ground floor layout included a small entrance hall, a compact toilet, stairs to the mansard floor, an isolated kitchen-dining area, and one bedroom. The mansard floor accommodated two small isolated rooms. The basement traditionally housed technical facilities: a boiler room, a workshop, and a utility utility room.

Technical Requirements and Architectural Concept

Who is the Copenhagen house reconstruction project suitable for?
This house reconstruction project is perfect for families looking to expand their living space and create a modern, open-plan daytime area. The energy-efficient SIP panel extension completely reformats the old, cramped layout, freeing up space for two full-sized bedrooms on the ground floor and a large relaxation zone.

Fig. 3 The gable end of the building chosen for mounting the new structure.

The client's requirements were precise: to organize two comfortable bedrooms on the ground floor, and to obtain a spacious, bright living room combined with a kitchen-dining area that features direct access to a covered summer terrace. To achieve this task without large-scale demolition of load-bearing walls, our architects proposed erecting a lightweight timber-framed extension next to the gable end wall of the house. All engineering utilities for the new zone are designed to integrate into the existing networks of the main building, minimizing installation costs.

New Extension Layout and Site Improvement

What is the floor plan of the modernized house with the extension?
The updated ready-made house project features clear zoning. The heated extension accommodates a spacious 22 m² kitchen-dining room with panoramic windows and access to a 16 m² covered terrace. In the old part, the original kitchen was removed, allowing for two private bedrooms on the first level.

Fig. 4 General floor plan of the house after reconstruction.

Fig. 5 Detailed floor plan of the new extension.

Additionally, within the boundaries of the site's general layout, a detached storage box for bicycles was designed. This represents a highly relevant and practical infrastructural solution tailored specifically for Denmark's lifestyle.

Structural Features and Engineering Solutions

What building materials are used for the house extension?
The walls of the new extension are constructed from energy-efficient 200 mm thick SIP panels, ensuring excellent thermal insulation and fast assembly. The heating system features integrated hydronic underfloor heating beneath ceramic tiles, providing even heat distribution and exceptional comfort without bulky radiators.

Fig. 6 Structural cross-section at the junction of the old building and the extension.

Fig. 7 Vertical section through the new kitchen-dining zone.

From an architectural standpoint, the client requested to cover the new extension with a gable roof identical in slope angle and shape to the roof of the main house. Due to the high basement of the existing cottage, a significant floor height gap emerged. Our specialists turned this challenge into a design advantage: the floor of the kitchen-dining extension was lowered closer to the ground level. This allowed for direct, comfortable access to the summer terrace without long and steep external stairs, creating an exceptionally cozy interior volume with high ceilings.

Fig. 8 Exterior visualization of the updated house.

The final finish of the extension facades is executed with a durable textured paint matching the existing brickwork tone or following a modern stylistic contrast. Practical ceramic tiles are laid on the floor surface, integrated with low-temperature hydronic floor heating.

Project Scope and Documentation Packages

What is included in the working reconstruction project?
The complete documentation package includes detailed architectural and structural solutions (AR and KR sections) required for error-free construction. The project covers demolition plans, SIP panel installation layouts, roof junction details, vertical sections, material specifications, and comprehensive drawing indexes.

Fig. 9 Index of working blueprints within the architectural package.

Fig. 10 General view of the project's title sheet.

Conclusions and Commercial Offer

A professionally developed ready-made house project with an option for major reconstruction allows you to breathe new life into an old building, significantly saving financial resources compared to new construction. If you plan to expand your living area, build a terrace, or completely remodel the interior layout of your country cottage, the specialists of the "Akvilon PRO" architectural bureau will help you realize any technical task. Browse our other works in the house reconstruction projects category and discover the details of adjusting blueprints to your individual needs on the project scope page.