Arne Jacobsens Summerhouse | Kira UrsemArne Jacobsen, one of Denmarks most influential architects, is best known for his revolutionary work in the field of architecture and design. He masterfully blended functionalism with a keen attention to aesthetics, leaving behind a legacy shaping modern architecture. Among his many works, Jacobsens private holiday cottage in Gudmindrup Lyng, completed in 1937, reflects his architectural philosophy. This summerhouse, perched on a sand dune overlooking Sejr Bay, is a retreat and a critical example of Nordic modernism.Arne Jacobsens Summerhouse Technical InformationArchitects: Arne JacobsenLocation: Gudmindrup Lyng, Sejr Bay, DenmarkTopics: Nordic ModernismCompletion Year: 1937Photographs: Kira UrsemIf a building becomes architecture, then it is art. Arne Jacobsen 3Arne Jacobsens Summerhouse Photographs Kira Ursem Kira Ursem Kira Ursem Kira Ursem Kira Ursem Kira Ursem Kira UrsemDesign Philosophy and Spatial LayoutJacobsens summerhouse manifests his design principles, emphasizing the relationship between simplicity and functionality. The house is carefully positioned to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, a hallmark of Jacobsens designs, which often sought to merge interior spaces with the outdoors. As you approach the house, you are greeted by a modest whitewashed faade and a loggia framed by bark-stripped logs, giving the house an organic feel that integrates with the surrounding pine forest.The spatial organization of the house is a study in contrasts. A central hallway serves as the backbone of the structure, connecting the smaller, more intimate rooms with the large open-plan living area. The hallway sequentially leads visitors through the house, with each turn revealing new spatial experiences. The house transitions from the lower, narrower wing, where the bedrooms and kitchen are located, into a soaring double-height living room that opens up to panoramic views of the coastline. This play of height and space is a signature of Jacobsens approach, creating a sense of movement and discovery as one navigates through the home.Jacobsen achieved a delicate balance in this summerhouse between the small, functional spaces needed for everyday life and the expansive, open areas that invite relaxation and contemplation. This spatial progression reflects the homes dual nature as both a retreat from urban life and a place for social gathering.Materials, Detailing, and Furniture IntegrationJacobsens attention to detail extended beyond the structure itself to the furniture and fixtures within the house, many of which were custom-designed for the space. The furniture, characterized by its clean lines and organic forms, mirrors the homes architectural style. The built-in desks, wardrobes, and beds in the bedrooms are seamlessly integrated into the overall design, contributing to the sense of harmony that permeates the house.Whitewashed wood is used throughout, giving the interiors a light and airy feel. This material choice reflects the informal, relaxed atmosphere Jacobsen sought to create in this holiday home. In the living room, a sunken terrazzo plank curves gently around the fireplace, adding an organic element to the room and inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the warmth of the fire while gazing out over the bay. The houses materials and detailing, from the furnitures curves to the subtle interplay of textures, demonstrate Jacobsens mastery of design at every scale.The thoughtful integration of furniture and architecture speaks to Jacobsens holistic approach to design, where every detail contributes to the overall experience of the space. In this summerhouse, he blurred the boundaries between the built environment and its furnishings, creating a unified whole that feels at once functional and luxurious.Relationship to the Landscape and Nordic ModernismOne of the defining features of Jacobsens summerhouse is its intimate relationship with the landscape. Located atop a sand dune, the house seems to rise naturally from the earth, its curved walls and low-pitched roofs echoing the contours of the surrounding terrain. Large windows in the living room frame the views of Sejr Bay and the horizon beyond, while smaller windows in the bedrooms offer more intimate glimpses of the pine forest.The house is a prime example of how Nordic modernism seeks to integrate architecture into the natural landscape rather than imposing upon it. Jacobsens sensitivity to the site is evident in how the house responds to its environment. The design considers the shifting light, the direction of the wind, and the seasonal changes in the landscape, ensuring that the house remains comfortable and connected to its surroundings year-round.This relationship between architecture and nature is a cornerstone of Nordic modernism, which values simplicity, functionality, and a deep respect for the environment. Jacobsens summerhouse exemplifies these values with its modest form and harmonious integration into the landscape. It stands in contrast to more monumental forms of modernism, opting for a quiet elegance that enhances, rather than dominates, its surroundings.Arne Jacobsens Summerhouse PlansFloor Plan & Elevations | Arne JacobsenArne Jacobsens Summerhouse Image GalleryAbout Arne JacobsenArne Jacobsen (19021971) was a Danish architect and designer renowned for his influential role in shaping 20th-century modernism. A graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Jacobsen was known for his holistic design approach, integrating architecture, furniture, and interior elements into cohesive, functional works. His notable projects include the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, St. Catherines College in Oxford, and the National Bank of Denmark. Jacobsens work is celebrated for its clean lines, innovative use of materials, and ability to harmonize with natural landscapes, making him a key figure in Nordic modernism.Notes & Additional CreditsMaterials Used: Whitewashed brick, Low-pitched roof with eaves, gutters, and trellisesInterior Finishes: Whitewashed wood, terrazzo flooringArne Jacobsen Life & Work byCarsten ThauandKjeld Vindum