Constructed between 1968 and 1972, the area was initially perceived as luxurious with spacious intervals between buildings and facilities, as part of the Gellerup Plan. But it is now perceived as a more vulnerable housing district.

Securing the rebuild project as part of a competition, NCC will work on the renovation with design studio C.F. Møller Architects, as well as engineering firms Ingeniør’ne and Transform.

Two of the high-rise blocks in Gellerupparken have already been renovated. The next phase of the project will see the final five blocks, containing 600 homes, increase to 750 homes, with entirely new types and sizes of housing, offering a more varied range of accommodation that better matches the current market. 

Brabrand Boligforening director Kristian Würtz explained how the renovation, both internal and external, is a significant element of the plan to transform Gellerup from a vulnerable housing area into an attractive district, integrated with the rest of Aarhus.

“With this ambitious renovation project, we’re futureproofing our homes and outdoor areas by upgrading and improving them for the benefit of both existing and new residents,” he said. “This is happening while preserving and refining the architecture of the modernist-inspired housing blocks built in the late 1960s.”

Specifically, the plan consists of a greater number of smaller homes and fewer large homes. This will be achieved by remodelling two entrances in each block, so that there will be four homes on each floor, compared with the current number of three. Staircases on the two lower floors are to be rebuilt and opened up to double-height rooms, creating a townhouse with city apartments. In addition, a smaller number of accessible housing units will be created, with extra space and better access conditions.

All homes will be provided with new surfaces, bathrooms, installations and ventilation. On the outside, the facades of the blocks will be cleaned and painted, the gables re-insulated and covered with new surfaces, and the window and door sections in the facades replaced with energy glazing, in addition to the installation of new roofs on all blocks.

The project prioritises social living qualities by improving the physical surroundings to promote community cohesion and increase safety. All outdoor areas – including green spaces, adjacent areas by blocks, playgrounds, bicycle sheds, waste stations and parking areas – are to be upgraded, creating safer and greener park spaces. This includes new meeting places at the neighbourhood and entrance levels, as well as areas for play and recreation. Small main paths and spacious arrival areas ensure easy access and connection between the housing areas and the surrounding city. The landscape is also designed with wild plantings that strengthen biodiversity and create visual coherence with the surrounding city park.

Overall, the clever mix of building and landscape architecture results in modern and attractive homes that meet the needs of diverse residents, including young people, the elderly, and families.

“We’re happy to have been chosen for the task, as it has a size and complexity where we can really create value with the professional breadth and depth we have at NCC,” said Peter Rantil Smith, area director for renovation at Byggeri Vest. “We look forward to having an unconditional contract in hand sometime after the summer.”

Rune Bjerno Nielsen, partner, architect and head of C.F. Møller’s competition department in Aarhus, reflected on how the project team have focused heavily on the importance of improving the physical condition of the estate for residents, as well as the opportunity to change perceptions of the housing area.

“We look forward to working with Brabrand Housing Association and the residents to respectfully modernise architect Knud Blach Petersen’s iconic original blocks,” he added.

The renovation of the first block will begin next spring, while the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.