The original brick building from 1873, which once housed Dalum Paper Mill’s first paper machine, PM1, has now been converted into an atmospheric and lively community house for all local residents.
The ambition was to preserve and highlight the original character of the building in a way that reflects its intensive history of use, while a few architectural interventions bring new life to the structure, enabling it to function as an attractive, open and welcoming gathering place for people of all ages.
The building was in poor condition after many years of use, and the brickwork, original roof structure and ceiling cladding have been carefully restored and cleaned. A new glulam timber structure has been added to the outside to stabilise the original walls and support a new overhanging roof that protects the historical structure from the elements.
New large openings have been created on the south façade facing the area’s new public square, reinforcing visual and physical connections between inside and out, and creating space for a wide variety of activities.
The new community house features an indoor playground, kitchen and toilets, an orangery, and large, flexible spaces for social activities and gathering. The surrounding paving and planting have been designed to naturally integrate the building into the urban space.
The project demonstrates how even heavily worn buildings and structures retain significant value– and how quality materials like brick not only withstand decades of exposure to weather but also beautifully and authentically connect past, present and future.
