Stubberupgaard Supportive Housing by Leth & Gori

A Healing Community Through Architecture

The Stubberupgaard Supportive Housing project by Leth & Gori transforms a historic farmhouse complex into a modern residential community for vulnerable citizens living with mental illness. Comprising 44 sheltered apartmentssurrounded by landscaped courtyards and gardens, the project integrates renovation, adaptive reuse, and new construction into a unified whole.

The design reinterprets the historical cluster of stables, cowsheds, and guesthouses, weaving them into a new master plan that strengthens spatial connections between old and new buildings, outdoor spaces, and communal facilities.

Architectural Vision: Respecting Heritage, Building Community

The architects approached the project with sensitivity, carefully documenting the character and typology of the existing farmhouse structures. Instead of erasing the past, they added new layers of architecture that respect and reinterpret the site’s historical DNA.

“Our aim was to create a community of buildings—a careful, thoughtful space with the residents’ needs at its heart,” say architects Karsten Gori and Uffe Leth.

The result is a housing complex where neighborly interaction, social connection, and inclusivity are embedded at multiple scales, nurturing a sense of belonging and community.

Spaces for Living, Sharing, and Healing

Beyond private residences, Stubberupgaard provides a range of shared facilities designed to foster daily interaction and support well-being. These include:

• A common kitchen and dining hall
• A café run by residents
• A fitness room and workshops
• Flexible social areas for collaboration and informal gatherings

The interiors emphasize daylight, warmth, and homeliness, with natural materials and meticulous detailing to ensure comfort. This approach acknowledges the role of domesticity and familiarity in creating a safe and supportive environment for residents.

Daylight, Materials, and Healing Architecture

Daylight was a central design driver. Each building offers unique window openings and light conditions tailored to its form and function. Combined with artificial lighting, these solutions create a healing architectural framework that enhances comfort and mental well-being.

Materiality reinforces the project’s balance of tradition and sustainability. Brick, timber, and robust finishes reflect the durability and tactility of the historic farmhouse while ensuring longevity and low maintenance. Outdoor courtyards and landscaped gardens by SCHUL extend the living environment, creating social meeting spots that connect architecture with nature.

Sustainability and Strategic Collaboration

The project is rooted in sustainable design principles, embracing sturdy, natural materials and energy-conscious solutions. It was carried out under a strategic partnership model involving Copenhagen Municipality / ByK, DSP PLUS, Jakon A/S (lead contractor), Leth & Gori, Rørbæk og Møller Architects, EKJ Engineers, and SCHUL Landscape Architects.

This collaborative framework ensured design continuity across all stages, from concept to completion, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and resident well-being.

All the photographs are works of Laura Stamer