Organic, fairy-tale architecture

Alongside Cornelius + Vöge Architects, Kengo Kuma & Associates won the project competition for the innovative new museum dedicated to H.C. Andersen’s fairy tales with a vision of a subterranean secret garden. The museum appears as a series of circular pavilions at surface level, these connecting in turn with the subterranean construction, where two thirds of the museum’s 5600 m² are to be found. All the architectural elements of the building are made up of curved, organic forms, creating a playful, fairy-tale-like expression. Such distinctive architecture requires both technical ingenuity and care, and the installation of the glazed partitions was no exception to this general rule.

DEKO’s contribution includes supply and installation of DEKO FG fully glazed partitions – both with and without acoustic glass – and DEKO FG Fire fire-rated glazed partitions for the museum’s ‘children’s universe’, Ville Vau. The children’s universe is split over three levels, encouraging imagination, education and creative expression respectively. Andersen's fairy tales form the framework for a playful fairyland in the underground part of the children's universe, while the ground floor and first floor comprise a learning space and studio for children to use freely.

Where Villa Vau’s circular staircase area is concerned, the architect sought a very particular expression for the partitions; the glass was to seem to rise directly from the floor, matching the rest of the building's magical architecture. We met this challenge by installing glazed partitions measuring over three metres in height and 120cm wide, with no lateral installation and concealed profiles at the top and bottom. This produced the desired effect of the large glass surfaces appearing to float between the untreated wooden elements.

Closer to H.C Andersen's literary universe

The new H.C. Andersens Hus is not only a welcome museum in honour of one of history's most acclaimed authors, but it is also an architectural monument that brings Andersen's stories to life. At DEKO, we are delighted to have contributed to the interior of this distinctive building – H.C. Andersens Hus, with its dream-like surroundings, brings visitors from around the world closer to H.C. Andersen’s life and fairytale world.

You can contact us by telephone on +45 43 55 77 11 if you would like us to help with the interiors of your next building project too.

Architect: Kengo Kuma & Associates

Exhibition design: Event Communications Limited, London