Lyngby Town Hall: A Modernist Renovation by ERIK Arkitekter

Lyngby Town Hall, originally designed by Hans Erling Langkilde and Ib Martin Jensen in 1941, stands as a hallmark of Scandinavian functionalism. Located in Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, this modernist masterpiece has been meticulously restored by ERIK Arkitekter. The renovation revives the building’s architectural essence while incorporating contemporary functionality to serve as a futureproof civic hub.

Preserving Modernist Heritage

The Iconic Curved Façade

One of the defining features of Lyngby Town Hall is its curved façade, originally clad in Greenlandic marble. ERIK Arkitekter preserved as much of the original marble as possible, replacing damaged sections with American marble of a similar tone due to the unavailability of the original material. This meticulous restoration ensures the façade remains a striking focal point of Lyngby Square.

Rediscovering Original Design Elements

Over the years, the building underwent modifications that obscured its original architectural principles. The renovation decluttered these changes, unveiling key design features such as:

• Stucco-marble columns on the ground floor
• Curved corridors that connect the building horizontally
• Restored original doors, adapted to meet modern fire safety standards

Integrating Modern Functionality

Citizen-Centric Spaces

The ground floor has been transformed into a modern citizen service area, where tactile stucco-marble columns add a sensory dimension to the space. This blend of aesthetics and functionality creates an inviting atmosphere for public interaction.

Lighting Restoration

Historical photographs guided the recreation of the building’s teardrop-shaped glass light fixtures, emphasizing the curved corridors. This dynamic lighting design, combined with simple yet impactful stairwell lamps, brings a contemporary ambiance to the structure.

Challenges of Restoring a Late-Listed Building

Listed in 2014, Lyngby Town Hall lacked comprehensive technical documentation. The architects relied on:

• Original drawings from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
• Historical photographs and descriptions
• Archives from the Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality

This deep research ensured an authentic restoration while integrating modern architectural needs.

Sustainable Conservation

Balancing Old and New

ERIK Arkitekter’s approach seamlessly blends original materials with modern enhancements. From fire-safe original doors to updated corridors, the project respects the building’s past while preparing it for the future.

Marble Restoration Techniques

Analyzing the condition of the Greenlandic marble, ERIK Arkitekter minimized replacements and ensured long-term durability by selecting compatible materials.

Lyngby Town Hall’s renovation by ERIK Arkitekter is a celebration of modernist architecture. By restoring its unique features and adapting it for contemporary use, the project bridges the gap between historical conservation and modern functionality, reaffirming its status as a civic landmark.

All Photographs are work of Meike Rehder