A new residential district planned in Albertslund will be shaped by existing landscape features, with water systems, tree structures, and village-scale urban layout guiding the development of approximately 300 homes.
Danish architecture and urban design practice Henning Larsen has won the competition for Hyldager Quarter, a 32,375m2 neighbourhood that will include housing, community facilities, gardens, greenhouses, and public open space.
The site sits on the edge of Albertslund, surrounded by dense planting and the distinctive rings of poplar trees that characterise the local landscape. To the north is the historic village of Vridsløselille, while Hyldagerhallen, an established community facility, lies to the east.
Landscape and public space at the centre of the masterplan
Alongside housing, the development will include a community centre and café, utility gardens, greenhouses, a forest playground, and a central pond designed to function as both a gathering space and part of the district’s rainwater management system.
The proposal retains the existing poplar tree circles and aims to preserve as many trees as possible. Around 60% of the district is planned as green space, matching the proportion found across the wider municipality.
Public areas are organised in three concentric zones. At the centre is a shared public space. Around it, a series of interconnected courtyards will support neighbouring homes while providing facilities for the wider community. The outer edge of the district is planned as a nature preserve intended to provide shelter from noise and wind.
Water management integrated into neighbourhood design
Rainwater management forms part of the district’s overall layout, using the site’s natural topography to collect, filter, and direct water towards the river system.
As part of the proposal, Store Vejleå has been re-meandered deeper into the site, creating varied edges, water features, and natural play areas. Water is intended to remain visible throughout the neighbourhood rather than being confined to underground infrastructure.
The central street pond functions as a public space, a landscape feature, and part of the district’s climate adaptation strategy, responding to changing weather conditions and rainfall throughout the year.
Village-inspired housing clusters
While landscape structures define the overall plan, the residential character takes inspiration from nearby Vridsløselille.
The district is organised as a collection of smaller housing clusters influenced by the village’s farm-based settlement pattern. Each cluster is linked to a distinct character area with its own architectural and landscape identity.
Three housing typologies are proposed across the site. Townhouses closest to Vridsløselille reference the village through gabled forms and brick-and-plaster façades. Forest Houses are positioned within the densely planted south-eastern edge of the district and use natural materials intended to blend with their surroundings. Hill Houses occupy the western part of the site, where taller buildings will protect from motorway noise while maintaining views across the tree circles and open landscape.
The winning proposal was developed with Casa Nord, a Danish property developer, and is being designed to achieve DGNB Silver certification. Work on the local planning process is scheduled to begin after summer.