Dezeen Magazine

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

A cluster of seven house-shaped buildings makes up this cancer care centre in Næstved, Denmark, by Copenhagen firm EFFEKT (+ slideshow).

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Rather than designing the facility as one large structure, EFFEKT planned a series of domestic-scale buildings with gabled roof profiles and arranged them around a pair of courtyards on a site at the Næstved Hospital.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

"Varying roof heights and materials means that the building will have its own unique architectural character that clearly distinguishes it from the surrounding hospital buildings," said the architects.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

White fibre-cement boards are arranged horizontally across the exterior walls and roof of each block, apart from two facades that are clad in vertical timber boards to signify the positions of entrances.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

The building was commissioned by the Danish Cancer Society and provides a centre where anyone affected by cancer can find out more about the illness or receive counselling. It is located close to the hospital's cancer ward, providing easy access for patients and family members.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Each house-shaped building provides a different function and they include a library, a kitchen, private meeting rooms, a lounge, a shop, a gym and a healthcare facility.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

"The houses offer a wide range of rooms for informal advice, therapy and interaction with a focus on the user's comfort and wellbeing," explained the architects.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Two courtyards are positioned between the buildings and feature paved areas filled with garden furniture.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Bookshelves cover entire walls, integrating small window seats, while a mixture of homely furnishings feature throughout.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Other cancer-care facilities we've featured include a series of Maggie's Centres, which were developed in the UK to provide support to anyone affected by cancer and have been designed by architects including Snøhetta and OMA. See more Maggie's Centres »

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Another project we've published by EFFEKT is a visitor centre with a ramped green roof in Copenhagen.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Exterior photography is by Quintin Lake. Interior photography is by Thomas Ibsen.

Here's a short description from the architects:


Livsrum - Cancer Counselling Centre, Næstved, Denmark

Livsrum is EFFEKT's project in the competition for a new cancer counselling centre at Næstved Hospital in Denmark in collaboration with Hoffmann and Lyngkilde.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

The centre is designed as a cluster of seven small houses around two green outdoor spaces.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

Each house has its own specific function and together they form a coherent sequence of different spaces and functions such as a library, kitchen, conversation rooms, lounge, shops, gym, and wellness facilities.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

The house offers a wide range of different rooms for informal advice, therapy and interaction with a focus on the users' comfort and wellbeing.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

A varying roof height and materials used means that the building will have its own unique architectural character that clearly distinguishes it from the surrounding hospital buildings.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT

With the location of the cancer counselling centre close to the hospital's cancer ward, it is set for a closer collaboration between hospital staff and the Danish Cancer Society.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT
Photograph by the architects

In the spring of 2013 the Danish Cancer Society staff and volunteers in Næstved expects to offer cancer patients and caregivers a warm welcome in the new cancer counselling centre.

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT
Exterior 3D diagram

Client: The Danish Cancer Society
Architect: EFFEKT
Engineers: Lyngkilde
Contractor: Hoffmann

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT
Interior 3D diagram

Size: 740 square metres
Type: Cancer counselling centre
Site: Næstved, Copenhagen, Denmark

Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT
Site plan - click for larger image
Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT
Floor plan - click for larger image
Livsrum Cancer Counselling Centre by EFFEKT
Illustrated section - click for larger image