Naturlandsbyen
Thy, Denmark
Naturlandsbyen, developed as part of SMK Thy, is situated between the fjord and the forest edge and builds on Doverodde Købmandsgård’s long tradition of nature education and outdoor activities. Here, art is integrated into nature-based experiences through collaboration between the museum, nature guides, and local nature-focused associations.
The project comprises a collection of small timber buildings that accommodate various functions and activities, with a dedicated small harbour connected to the area. The facilities include a workshop zone for traditional wooden boat building and creative activities, fire huts and shelters for outdoor cooking and gathering, an association house with meeting and bathing facilities, two equipment halls, and a kayak hotel with an adjoining storage depot.
The sustainability strategy is rooted in simple, robust, and environmentally responsible material choices. Timber is the primary material, used with untreated surfaces designed to weather naturally. Dinesen has supplied oak cut-offs for facade cladding and loose furnishings, while new spruce timber for structural elements has been sourced from Rold Skov. The buildings are insulated with natural fibres.
The surrounding landscape follows the same principles, using clay gravel, various grasses, and reused Swedish cobblestones with more than 200 years of history from Bruges, Belgium. Together, these materials help preserve and strengthen the cultural environment of Doverodde.
