Kastrup Lime Works

The lime plant Kastrup Works was established in 1749 on an isthmus by the island of Saltholm. The plant grew building by building as changes or expansions in the production occurred. Today, however, only the oldest part of a much larger complex is preserved. Elgaard Architecture has carried out preliminary and archival studies of the entire plant and is now lead consultant on the restoration and recovery of the listed complex which in future will include both up-to-date accommodation and business premises.

Facts

Year
2017-

Theme
Restoration, partly change of functions and recovery of 18^th-century factory town

Client
Construction company Mogens de Linde

Partners
Øllgaard Rådgivende Ingeniører A/S, Gert Carstensen A/S

Address
Kastrup Værk, 2770 Kastrup

Old Factory Still Stands
Kastrup Lime Works, which is one of the few surviving industrial plants from its heyday in the 18th century. was erected by Jacob Fortling (1711-61). Fortling was an architect, a stonemason to King Christian VI and a pottery maker who immigrated from Germany during the years of Christian VI’s extensive construction activities. Fortling founded Kastrup Works in the years 1749-54, and it was one of the major industrial projects of the 18^th century. He was granted exclusive rights to the extraction of limestone on Saltholm in the Sound between Denmark and Sweden and then established Kastrup Works with its chalk works, brickworks, faience factory and main and gateway buildings.

“Already in the 18th century, the plant rose to fame due to its production of the fine Kastrup Faiences and Kastrup Glass.”

The restoration strategy ensures that the narrative and the special character of Kastrup Works as an industrial plant are preserved and sharpened while the buildings are optimised discreetly for modern use.

“The aim of the project is to establish up-to-date accommodation and business premises in the buildings of the plant. All square metres from the basement to the attic are optimised, and this constitutes a huge, financial potential for the client in terms of letting of the premises.”

Peder Elgaard, Partner

Daylight conditions are optimised by restoring original dormers and skylights, which at the same time reinforce the industrial expression of the plant.

Mould damages are rectified in the wood structures: joists, trusses, jambs and columns. In addition, accessibility and logistics (flow) between several of the buildings are improved, and the internal logistics and flexibility of the individual buildings are optimised, among others by means of re-establishment of original doorways as well as improvement of flights of stairs and access between the floors.

All rooms are being restored and the original colours traced by conservators. Acoustics and indoor climate solutions are discreetly adapted in the individual buildings, thereby upgrading them to modern workplaces and homes while still preserving their originality and distinctive expression. As an integral part of the project, problems with rising ground moisture in the walls and ground floor are rectified.

“The conservation values of the buildings have been assessed, based on the interaction between the functional potential, the cultural-historical value and the architectural significance.”

A Modern Art Museum
Apart from Kastrup Lime Works, Jacob Fortling also had nearby Kastrupgård erected as a country house for himself and his family. Today, the house from 1749-53 contains a modern art collection (Kastrupgårdsamlingen) as well as works by the Danish painter Theodor Phillipsen (1840-1920) and faiences from Kastrup Works.

The factory town became a listed property in 1971 and today goes by the name of Bryggergården (The Brewer’s Estate) because of the location of a brewery there in the 19th century. In 1847, Holmegård Glassworks established a branch in the factory by the name of Kastrup Glassworks. Production ceased in 1979.