Merging Past and Present Through Thoughtful Architecture

The gap between very old and “early 1980s old”

Years ago, Mindworking acquired the property at Studsgade 27, located in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Aarhus, Denmark. Our task was to redesign and transform the existing buildings into their new domicile – a project we completed in 2007.

During the process, we discovered a hidden gem: a small plot of land, the last available building site in this historic neighbourhood. Many before us had tried – and failed – to design a structure that could seamlessly fit into this tightly woven urban fabric. Until now.

Designing a building that bridges the architectural gap between old and new was no small challenge. One neighbour dates back to around 1859, the other to 1981 – two vastly different architectural expressions. Our approach? A modern yet timeless design, using classic, high-quality materials. Solid oak was chosen for all windows, doors, and even the street-facing gate, ensuring a warm, tactile presence in the cityscape.

Though the architecture is contemporary, the materials, textures, and colours pay homage to the past. Every detail, from ventilation and heating to soundproofing and fire regulations, was carefully integrated. To manage this complexity, we collaborated in real-time with engineers using a shared 3D model via our BIM server. No back-and-forth drawings, no endless revisions – just seamless coordination.

You could say we filled yet another gap – the one between engineers and architects.