Bold design and vibrant space

‘Hjertet’ - The Heart - in Ikast is a new community centre, centrally located on the main road and close to the town’s educational institutions. The interconnected group of gabled buildings is an open and inviting structure that ties the surroundings to the complex.

The architecture and materials are simple and functional, yet at the same time provide a framework for a complex building with a wide range of users and activities. Inspiration has been drawn from both agricultural buildings and the village motif, which has given the building a strong identity as a composition of smaller wooden buildings.

International School Ikast-Brande (ISIB) is situated right next to The Heart and frequently uses the building’s three halls and rooms for classroom teaching. In addition, citizens’ groups and associations are able to freely use the facilities both indoors and outdoors. The building is a permanent home for the municipal ‘UU’ youth guidance centre as well as a shop and café run by socioeconomic companies. In the middle of the building is the main staircase, which doubles as seating for audiences attending talks, theatrical performances or concerts.

Special rooms

The Heart consists of several main rooms. To the west is the multi-purpose hall with a large window section overlooking the forecourt. The room has a gymnastics floor and mirrors along one side, and can therefore be used for gymnastics and dancing, but also for large lecture events.

The acoustics are tailored to these uses with Troldtekt acoustic panels on the ceilings and on one wall. The lighting is beautifully integrated in the ceiling surface, underscoring the building’s uncomplicated design.

Troldtekt acoustic panels have also been used in the Reflection room, which is smaller and more inward-looking. Here, all the walls and the ceiling are covered with wooden strips which, together with the suspended pendant lighting, creates a particularly intimate atmosphere that is perfect for yoga and pilates, but also for more formal events.

In the third room, called the Street sports hall, grey Troldtekt acoustic panels have been used on the ceiling and at the top of the walls. Here, skaters and other street sports enthusiasts can practise when outdoor conditions prevent them from doing so. All around The Heart, C.F. Møller Landscape has created a dynamic landscape accommodating relaxation as well as many types of activities.