Katrinebjerg / Dept. 76 Student Housing by ADEPT + Luplau Poulsen: A Model of Sustainable Student Living in Aarhus

Located in the dynamic university district of Katrinebjerg in Aarhus, Denmark, Dept. 76 Student Housing represents a forward-thinking model of sustainable and community-driven student living. Designed by ADEPT in collaboration withLuplau Poulsen, the 7,200 m² project was completed in 2020 and consists of 130 DGNB Gold-certified studios and small family homes. Commissioned by a local housing association, the project is a blueprint for how to design dense, eco-conscious, and socially engaging student residences within an urban context.

Building for Belonging: A Community-Centered Approach

At the heart of the design is a strong emphasis on reducing social isolation. From the shared courtyard to expansive rooftop terraces, Dept. 76 encourages interaction and connection among residents. Common spaces are not just functional but form the architectural backbone of the complex, promoting community living and everyday encounters.

The building is organized into four residential clusters forming an L-shaped structure that gently encloses a central, green courtyard. This spatial layout nurtures a sense of openness and shared belonging while ensuring that each unit maintains privacy and natural light.

Sustainable Architecture with a Human Touch

True to its DGNB Gold certification, Dept. 76 is built using a palette of durable, eco-certified, and recyclable materials. The exterior features warm reddish-brown brick screen tiles contrasted by natural vertical timber lamellae on the courtyard facades—intended to become even greener over time as climbing plants spread across the surface. This biophilic approach fosters not only aesthetic beauty but also biodiversity and microclimate improvements within the urban site.

Green roofs and rainwater handling systems are integrated into the architectural scheme, supporting local biodiversity and climate adaptation. The project’s sustainable design extends beyond its environmental footprint, incorporating cost-efficient operations and future-proof infrastructure that ensures long-term economic viability.

Artistic Integration and Design Identity

One of the standout features of the project is the integration of public art into the architecture. Visual art elements embellish corridors, stairwells, and external walls, reinforcing identity and cultural depth within the residential setting. These design elements make the everyday experience more enriching and contribute to a collective narrative that enhances pride and ownership among residents.

Despite operating on a limited budget, the architects prioritized quality in materials and thoughtful detailing, proving that sustainability and beauty can coexist within affordable housing projects.

Functional Design That Encourages Interaction

Dept. 76’s design emphasizes shared experiences without sacrificing personal comfort. Private residences are compact yet efficiently planned, while generous communal zones—both indoors and out—invite informal gatherings and relaxation. The gables of the structure extend into a low perimeter wall around the courtyard, creating an inviting threshold between public and private space.

These subtle architectural choices work to optimize square meters while supporting a livable density, making Dept. 76 not just a student housing project but a living framework for urban sustainability and social connectivity.

All the photographs are works of Rasmus Hjortshoj