The Danish couple wished to highlight the historical significance of grain to society and to mankind. They also wanted an information and visitor centre that would focus on today’s global challenges of food supply.
Reiulf Ramstad Architects was invited to take part in a restricted international architectural competition for the design of Kornets Hus. They won the commission with their submission entitled ‘A Norwegian Look at Danish Landscapes and Building Traditions’.
In the middle of a wheat field
The architects sat down with local enthusiasts, farmers, bakers and historians to acquaint themselves with the region’s landscape, character, people and traditions. It was important to the architects to have a local presence throughout the project period so that they could stay in close touch with the owners and important stakeholders.
Kornets Hus was built in a wheat field, close to an existing mill, farm and bakery. It is a project in the borderland between landscape architecture, town planning, industrial design and architecture.
The visitor centre combines Norwegian design with Danish countryside. The cultural landscape forms the basis for as well as the extention of Kornets Hus.
Since its opening in December 2020, the centre has been bustling with exhibitions, courses, educational events and other activities.
Farmers and architects love the place
Kornets Hus has become a meeting place for the local community and schools, as well as a visitor attraction. Architects have flocked here, as have farmers and others with an interest in organic and biodynamic farming. This has generated wider cultural and economic impacts for the local community, and Kornets Hus is referred to as an outstanding project in the Danish media.
The project was nominated for the prestigous Mies van der Rohe Architecture Award in 2022, and was highlighted as a model of sustainable architecture in the third edition of ‘An Architecture Guide to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ published by the Danish Association of Architects.
As a result of the high visitor numbers, the architects have already been invited to contribute to the development of an outdoor garden area, Kornets Hage, aimed particularly at families and school children.
Brief facts about the project
Kornets hus: A visitor centre for grain and food culture in Hjørring, Denmark
By: Ejendomsfonden Kornets Hus and Reiulf Ramstad Architects
Design disciplines: Architecture, Heritage and conservation
Recipient of the DOGA Award
This project has received the DOGA Award for Design and Architecture for its outstanding qualities and for showing how strategic use of design and architecture creates important social, environmental, and economic value.
These are three reasons why this is an exemplary project:
- Communicates the significance of grain
The project puts the spotlight on food production and sustainable agriculture and highlights the significance of cereal production to Jutland, but also to human civilisation. The architecture underpins the ethos, thus reinforcing this message.
- A rural hub
The building has become a new social hub for visitors, locals and staff, offering a diverse programme of activities centred round baking and the Danish countryside. This has produced wider cultural and economic impacts for the local community.
- Excellent architecture
The architecture draws inspiration from the region’s rich landscape, vernacular culture and agricultural heritage. The interior design pulls your gaze towards the surrounding wheatfields, thereby making the centre a good place for visitors and staff to spend their time.
