Blog post: Explore Kornbyen
A journey through historiy, community, and sustainable urban development
Developers at 'Bedre By' and 'Sinding & Co' have taken on the task of initiating positive urban development in Malling, just south of Aarhus. In the innovative construction project, Kornbyen, they are diligently working to develop a vibrant urban community that aims to revive the town's former glory. Cultural heritage, social initiatives, and sustainability are the building blocks that will support future growth. The article was published in December 2023. In 1884, the railway opened in Malling, marking a new era for the town's residents. Rapidly, the village transformed into a bustling market town with industry, commerce, and craftsmanship. However, today many of these commercial areas that were once lively are now empty, and several local businesses have been forced to close their doors. "You could say the town is in decline. If you walk down Bredgade, there are too many buildings where weeds grow unchecked, things are falling apart, and there's a hole in the middle of the road," remarks a female resident who participated in the preliminary studies for the Kornbyen project, set to rejuvenate the abandoned feed mill site in Malling. The Letbane (tram) connection between Aarhus Central Station and Odder has paved the way for reimagining Malling as a modern suburb. These new transportation options create promising conditions that could attract young families and young professionals eager to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. "Kornbyen represents an important piece in turning geographic disadvantages into advantages. Our project is about connecting the surrounding areas with Aarhus," explains developer Claus Pihlmann from 'Bedre By'.
Kornbyen represents an important piece in turning geographic disadvantages into advantages. Our project is about connecting the surrounding areas with Aarhus.
Claus Pihlmann, Bedre By
Kornbyen represents an important piece in turning geographic disadvantages into advantages. Our project is about connecting the surrounding areas with Aarhus.
Claus Pihlmann, Bedre By
Nothing is left to chance
The Kornbyen construction project stems from Aarhus Municipality's urban redevelopment plan, which previously led to urban renewal in Aarhus Ø and Ceresbyen. The initial ideas for Kornbyen began to take shape in 2019, and since then, the project has evolved. All decisions are based on dialogue, thorough analysis, and active involvement from the local community: "We have made a concerted effort to lay the right foundation for the development of Kornbyen. This includes conducting an anthropological preliminary study to understand the desires and needs for housing forms in Malling, and an idea-generating workshop where we collected input from residents on the area's development. The latter was used to launch an architectural competition, inviting three architecture firms to propose designs for Kornbyen. From these, we have chosen to continue with two architects to ensure diversity in the new neighborhood," explains Claus Pihlmann. The two architecture firms awarded the rights are 'Sleth' and 'AART Architects'. They have simultaneously developed a master plan and a conceptual design, forming the basis of the local plan currently under public consultation with Aarhus Municipality. The submitted local plan has incorporated recurring feedback from various stakeholders, resulting in adjustments such as reductions in building heights.
We have made a concerted effort to lay the right foundation for the development of Kornbyen. This effort includes conducting an anthropological preliminary study that helped us understand the desires and needs for housing forms in Malling, as well as a workshop where we gathered input from residents for the area's development.
Claus Pihlmann, Bedre By
We have made a concerted effort to lay the right foundation for the development of Kornbyen. This effort includes conducting an anthropological preliminary study that helped us understand the desires and needs for housing forms in Malling, as well as a workshop where we gathered input from residents for the area's development.
Claus Pihlmann, Bedre By
Something for everyone
Based on the anthropological preliminary study, developers have learned that creating a mixed and diverse residential area where inclusion is paramount is crucial. Therefore, the construction project is a response to the classic homes already present in the Malling area. Kornbyen will offer more than 200 households of various sizes and layouts to accommodate residents across demographics—from seniors and young families to singles and couples. The diverse housing options will include public housing, townhouses, compact plots, and senior co-housing, all designed with emphasis on natural light and warm materials. This wide range of housing types aims to support "housing chains," allowing residents to stay in Malling even as their life situations and needs change: "We currently live in a typical single-family house with a garden, but if that becomes too much for us someday, we would be interested in learning more about the project," highlights another resident who participated in the anthropological study.
Would you like to learn more about Kornbyen?
Then you should visit the project's website, where you can read about competition proposals, visions, and much more.
The present and the past merge together
The vision behind the construction project Kornbyen is to preserve or transform local stories that are central to Malling's self-understanding and identity. Some of these stories have faded over time, while others are worn and in need of revitalization. The new neighborhood is being developed with respect for the historical and industrial ties that make the town a truly special place. To convey the city's traditions, the construction project operates in the dynamic space between preservation, upcycling, and architectural interpretation, aiming to establish an independent urban community with strong roots. Kornbyen will primarily anchor itself in two locations that are ideally suited to create attractive settings for a vibrant city life, encouraging social interactions and strengthening community bonds. The old feed mill site, once a focal point for agriculture, will be transformed into a new residential area filled with public spaces and meeting points. Here, there will be room for events and gatherings, pop-up shops, flea markets, a skate park, and various forms of exercise. The silo, still towering on the site, will serve as a landmark associated with the city's transformation. Vedels Hus, which formerly housed a grocery store and bookstore, will be preserved as a community center offering a wide range of activities. The Vedel family were well-respected figures in the area who supported the gymnastics association and contributed to the city's Christmas traditions, thus their legacy is integrated as an active part of the new urban space.
Sustainability across the board
Sustainability is a core value in the creation of Kornbyen, with a primary focus on incorporating existing materials wherever possible. In the community center (Vedels Hus), renovation will exclusively utilize materials sourced from the site itself. The concrete halls and steel trusses of the feed mill association will be reused in new building constructions, and asphalt will be repurposed with new intentions in mind. The distinctive red bricks characteristic of the feed mill will be crushed and spread in beds across future outdoor areas. These various forms of recycling create visible references to the area's history while also benefiting the environment. In the selection of new building materials, there will be a focus on CO2 reduction and climate-friendliness. For instance, several buildings will be constructed using modular wood elements. The new urban space prioritizes the interaction between people and nature. Green areas are designed with strong inspiration from the East Jutland landscape, which has its own geographical characteristics. Kornbyen creates a dynamic outdoor environment that spans from urban squares to green pockets. Management of rainwater and the revitalization of a former "sacred spring" are also part of the vision. Therefore, Kornbyen is expected to become an iconic example of sustainable urban development that blends the heritage of the past with the visions of the future.
Ejsingholm ApS
Nørre Allé 86, 8000 Aarhus C
CVR: 36546972
kontakt@ejsingholm.com
71747460
https://www.instagram.com/ejsingholm_/