Arne Jacobsen, one of Denmark’s 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, Jacobsen’s private holiday cottage in Gudmindrup Lyng, completed in 1937, reflects his architectural philosophy. This summerhouse, perched on a sand dune overlooking Sejrø Bay, is a retreat and a critical example of Nordic modernism.
Arne Jacobsen’s Summerhouse Technical Information
- Architects: Arne Jacobsen
- Location: Gudmindrup Lyng, Sejrø Bay, Denmark
- Topics: Nordic Modernism
- Completion Year: 1937
- Photographs: © Kira Ursem
If a building becomes architecture, then it is art.
– Arne Jacobsen 3
Arne Jacobsen’s Summerhouse Photographs
Design Philosophy and Spatial Layout
Jacobsen’s 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 Jacobsen’s designs, which often sought to merge interior spaces with the outdoors. As you approach the house, you are greeted by a modest whitewashed façade 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 Jacobsen’s 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 home’s dual nature as both a retreat from urban life and a place for social gathering.
Materials, Detailing, and Furniture Integration
Jacobsen’s 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 home’s 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 house’s materials and detailing, from the furniture’s curves to the subtle interplay of textures, demonstrate Jacobsen’s mastery of design at every scale.
The thoughtful integration of furniture and architecture speaks to Jacobsen’s 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 Modernism
One of the defining features of Jacobsen’s 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 Sejrø 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. Jacobsen’s 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. Jacobsen’s 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 Jacobsen’s Summerhouse Plans
Arne Jacobsen’s Summerhouse Image Gallery
About Arne Jacobsen
Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971) 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. Catherine’s College in Oxford, and the National Bank of Denmark. Jacobsen’s 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 Credits
Materials Used: Whitewashed brick, Low-pitched roof with eaves, gutters, and trellises
Interior Finishes: Whitewashed wood, terrazzo flooring
- Arne Jacobsen Life & Work by Carsten Thau and Kjeld Vindum
