Skanderborg Parish’s first new church in 500 years opens

The new 1,500m² church brings a contemporary touch to the traditional Danish church typology. Designed as an open and welcoming space, it supports both religious services and everyday community use. Materials like brick, oak, and brass draw from Denmark’s architectural heritage, creating a peaceful and timeless atmosphere for current and future generations. With flexible spaces and a focus on daylight and connection, the church honors tradition while offering a modern, communal setting for gathering.

By activating the interior space, the large square church room can be transformed to suit a range of purposes and events, with varying degrees of intimacy and openness enabled by the angled wall design. The baptismal font is the only permanent fixture, the center piece. Similarly, the church’s façade is activated on all sides, fitted with covered seating niches, allowing visitors and worshippers to take a secluded moment to seek peace, converse or look out to the surrounding nature.

In close collaboration with Brdr. Krüger, we took the reinterpretation of the church a step further by redesigning the church seating, Ekko Chair. Instead of the usual benches, we opted for individual chairs that are simple, elegant, and stackable. This choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also makes the space more flexible and adaptable for various events and gatherings. We named these chairs the "Ekko Chair," symbolizing the echo of the room, time, and spirit.

Our return to furniture design after 60 years will be celebrated and showcased at the Brdr. Krüger showroom during 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, June 18–20, 2025.

The church was consecrated by an inauguration service on the first Sunday of Advent 2024, welcoming members of the public, Skanderborg Parish council and fellow worshippers.  

In 2021, we were unanimously voted to design the church, judged by a panel of professional judges and members of Skanderborg Parish Council.