U/Nord

spatial reinvention

From Industrial Hall to Learning Environment

The transformation of Værftshal 19 in Helsingør marks a new chapter for U/NORD’s craft-based education. Located in the city’s former shipyard area, the project converts a 2,400 m² grade-listed industrial hall into a vibrant new home for the boatbuilding and sailmaking programmes.

The design balances respect for the site’s robust industrial heritage with contemporary architectural interventions, transforming the existing structure into a dynamic environment that strengthens Helsingør’s waterfront identity, preserves its cultural memory, and introduces a new educational layer for learning, collaboration, and craftsmanship.

Workshop Transformation

The transformation retains the hall’s impressive spatial character while introducing a clear architectural framework for modern teaching and workshop facilities. Using a box-in-box principle, new lightweight volumes are inserted within the original structure, providing flexible spaces for workshops, classrooms, and social areas. Wood, steel, and concrete were chosen for their tactile honesty, robustness, and ability to age gracefully, reinforcing the dialogue between the old and the new.

Large openings, transparent partitions, and generous circulation zones foster openness and exchange, allowing visual connections between the different learning environments. The layout supports a natural flow between teaching, production, and social interaction, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing across disciplines. The result is a functional yet warm environment on a human scale, where tradition and technology coexist.

Building with Care and Continuity

The project is guided by principles of material responsibility and long-term adaptability. By retaining the existing hall and working within its original structural and spatial framework, the transformation reduces resource use and limits environmental impact. All new interventions are designed for durability and ease of maintenance, employing simple, robust, and recyclable materials that ensure efficient operation over time. Special attention has been given to ensure that all new additions are executed with respect for the hall’s original architecture and with a focus on healthy materials and optimized performance within the existing framework.

From the outset, the process has been characterized by close collaboration with teachers and students, ensuring that each design decision responds to real educational needs. This dialogue continues beyond completion, allowing the environment to evolve with its users and remain responsive to future demands. Through its careful approach to material integrity, cultural context, and community engagement, Værftshal 19 demonstrates how architecture can renew the spirit of a place while supporting the next generation of skilled craftspeople.

Client: U/NORD
Area: 2 400 m2 / 25 833 ft2
Year: 2027
Location: Helsingør, Denmark
Collaborators: Norconsult