Hedeskov Centre for Regenerative Practice
A regenerative transformation of an old school building using on-site building & landscape materials harvested regeneratively (Clay, bullrush & hemp)
Repair and restoration as a new form of practice
“Making good” as a practice prioritizes repair and maintenance as primary design drivers. The Hedeskov project transforms a former rural school in Djursland into a community-focused Center for Regenerative Practice, employing regenerative and vernacular methods. Located in a region rich with moraine deposits, woodlands, and wetlands, the project utilizes local materials like moraine clays, typha fiber, and lumber, integrating traditional ‘bindingsværk’ crafts with post-carbon, site-based materials from the landscape and existing buildings. The design incorporates the region’s agro-ecological practices and re-wilding projects, aligning with local land management and organic farming. Early specialist and local involvement as well as interdisciplinary collaboration were crucial to making the project relevant as a renovation case for the region. Post-occupancy, the project will monitor hygroscopy, off-gassing, and collect anthropological data to guide future regional developments.
The Hedeskov project exemplifies a transformative approach to rural architecture, converting a former school in Djursland into a Centre for Regenerative Practice. This project allowed Djernes & Bell to further explore how the principles of “making good,” where repair and maintenance are central to the design philosophy, relate to new forms of bioregional design practice. Djursland’s bioregion, characterised by its glacial moraine deposits, woodlands, and wetlands, is also home to notable projects in rewilding (Molslaboratoriet), alternative living (Feldballe), and agro-ecology (Kalø School of Organic Farming). The existing context, communities, and the client’s 40 years of reforestation efforts and nature-based philosophies made it an ideal testing ground for reparative, regenerative, and ecological methods of renovation and rebuilding.
Building as Landscape
The coloured clay finishes were inspired by scans of geological cores, reflecting a geo-regionalist approach aimed at enhancing the material translation of the surrounding landscape and the vernacular histories of local clay use. Landscape and site materials were mapped in close collaboration with Local Works Studio. Early contractor involvement with experienced conservation craftspeople ensured deep knowledge of locally available materials and the integration of centuries-old craft traditions into the design.
Trans-disciplinary tradition
Collaboration with building scientists, anthropologists, foresters, and ecologists was crucial for evaluating the thermal and hygroscopic properties of materials and build-ups, and for assessing the program’s relevance to existing communities. This collaboration also facilitated the measurement and dissemination of both successes and failures post-occupancy.
‘One of our principles at Hedeskov is ‘Diversity rules’
From furniture makers and biologists, material scientists and algae researchers, longevity nerds and building engineers - all possible perspectives on regeneration are welcome at Hedeskov.’
Sofie Aagard, Hedeskov
Transformation & Conservation techniques
The design employs a two-part methodology: the old school is restored using primarily conservation techniques, while the old garage is transformed with a new internal timber-frame on limecrete point foundations. Inspired by Danish vernacular ‘bindingsværk,’ which features half-timbered frames with infill in unfired clay bricks or wattle and daub, the design includes unexpected openings using vernacular geometries at varied scales, offering key views from the interior to the exterior. These openings make the material origins, reforestation, and regenerative agriculture on the larger site immediately visible. Detailing in repairs, such as infill in existing masonry, becomes part of the material storytelling.
Community and Local Relevance are Key
Hedeskov’s layout and program are designed to enhance community engagement, supporting local rewilding projects and organic farming schools. The Centre includes a co-working space, event space, cross-disciplinary residency, and a barn workshop to foster experimental testing and cross-disciplinary fieldwork in agro-ecology and natural building materials. Conversations with KU Forest School and Kalø Organic Farming School, who already utilise the 180-hectare site for regionally relevant projects, informed the design of the renovated buildings and landscape.
Reparative Ecologies
The Hedeskov project allowed Djernes & Bell to test their concept of reparative ecology in practice. The bioregion, alongside the client’s commitment and the availability of bioregional materials and craft traditions, enabled a significant demonstration of how vernacular and low-carbon techniques can integrate landscapes and buildings through craft-based material transformation. Ongoing monitoring of hygroscopy, off-gassing, and anthropological data will provide insights into the building’s long-term performance and its impact on the community and environment. Hedeskov not only fulfils its immediate function but also contributes to a broader dialogue on the role of architecture in fostering ecological and community resilience, offering a model for future developments in similar bioregions.
A Hub for Regenerative Practice
The Hedeskov Centre for Regenerative Practice is more than just a building—it is an experimental space for regenerative strategies, where architects, artists, and researchers can explore how materials and building techniques contribute to a post-carbon future. The centre hosts workshops, research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing on regenerative architecture and landscape stewardship.
