Profile
Elgaard Architecture is a Copenhagen-based practice specialising in the conservation and transformation of historic buildings and places. Working in Denmark and internationally, we advise public, institutional, and private clients on some of the most significant heritage projects across all stages of the project lifecycle.
Services
Lead Consultancy
Prospect Analyses
Programming
Structural Design and Execution
Approach
At Elgaard Architecture, we begin with the existing. Our work is rooted in the understanding that cultural heritage is a valuable resource – architecturally, culturally, and environmentally.
We operate across scales, from strategic masterplans and heritage assessments to the meticulous restoration of individual details and the transformation of complex historic environments.
Historic buildings require more than conventional architectural services. They demand insight, curiosity, and a deep respect for the evolution of place.
We combine architectural judgement with extensive expertise in:
- conservation and restoration;
- heritage and cultural-historical analysis;
- heritage protection and regulatory processes;
- sustainable transformation;
- complex technical upgrades;
- project and process management;
- Project delivery
We believe that new layers should enrich – not erase – the stories that buildings already embody. When developing places and buildings, we seek to continue their narrative with respect for the past and an eye to the future. We call this Weiterschreiben.
Our ambition is to understand and reinforce the historic identity of buildings, activating cultural heritage and creating value – both cultural and economic. We call this the double bottom line.
We pay close attention – in our analyses, in the detail, and in dialogue. We call this attention to detail. For us, it is not merely a question of aesthetics, but of respect for craftsmanship, people, materials, and the traces that bear witness to a building’s life and evolution over time.
Our approach integrates cultural heritage, contemporary needs, and long-term sustainability – from the earliest analyses and strategic considerations to design development, conservation, and project delivery.
Press clippings (Danish only)
– Berlingske, 19. maj 2024
https://www.berlingske.dk/arkitektur/du-laegger-ikke-maerke-til-dem-naar-du-gaar-rundt-i-koebenhavn-men-her
– Berlingske, 18. maj 2024
https://www.berlingske.dk/arkitektur/det-ligner-det-mest-umulige-i-verden-men-holger-dahl-er-ved-at-daane-af
– The magazine De Farver, winter 2021:
Carlsberg Academy: “Italiensk skønhed i bryggerens æresbolig”
– Historic House’s magazine, October 2021:
Havnegade 21-27: “Bevaring og business case går hånd i hånd”
– Byrummonitor, 9 February 2021:
Aalborg Akvavit Distillery: “Økonomisk set er det fuldstændig åndssvagt det her”
– The magazine De Farver, winter 2020:
The Pheasantry: “Fasangården genskabt med tapeter som i 1828”
– Arkitekten, 7 October 2020:
The Enghave Park: “Ad gamle og nye stier”
– Arkitekten, 20 September 2020:
Aalborg Akvavit Distillery: “Guld mellem hænderne”
– Politiken, 29 August 2020:
The King’s Hall at Lejre: “1.000 ton egetræ bugner af dramatisk vikingehistorie”
– Licitationen, 20 August 2020:
Havnegade 21-27: “Restaurering med dobbelt bundlinje for øje”
– Licitationen, 18 September 2018:
The King’s Hall at Lejre: “Sagnomspunden kongehal skyder op af jorden”
– Arkitekten, February 2018:
Frederiksberg Church: “Lyset og rummet”
Photos on Elgaard Architecture’s website are by:
Arkitekturbilleder.dk (without known name of photographer)
Architect Anne Nebel
Jeudan A/S
Photographer Adam Mørk
Photographer Anders Sune Berg
Lighting Designer Jørgen Kjer
Photographer Karina Tengberg
Photographer Kurt Rodahl Hoppe
Photographer Ole Malling
Photographer Mikael Schilling
Photographer Søren Hytting
Photographer Thorbjørn Hansen, Kontraframe