Guided by the objective of designing a new allergy-friendly row house complex, Lauritshøj takes a new approach to family housing. Located in Skødstrup, north of Aarhus this project was the first to follow the new quality guide for social housing, published by Aarhus municipality (2016), in doing so, the project proposed sustainable and innovative usage of water, soil and air.

The site slopes gently towards the scenic backdrop of Aarhus Bay in the south. The low rise housing units (mainly two storeys) are designed to emphasise this landscape. Accentuating this relationship with the natural terrain through a level change in the ground floor plan of the apartments which creates the impression of the geometry stepping up the hill, amplifying the natural slope while also facilitating better views of the landscape.

The settlement is organised in a spiral around the communal gathering spaces and gardens. Each of the row houses are strategically places to optimise their views, solar access and the best conditions to form a community. The ambition was to find a balance between intimacy and community. This meant creating both open, accessible areas that encourage groups to gather and socialise while also creating less exposed spaces to generate varying degrees of privacy.

The units are alternatively pushed in and out and vary in size, orientation, and typology. This variation caters to the differing nature of families, allowing each to find their new home in Lauritshøj.