Nivaagaard Teglværks Ringovn
The Nivaagaard Brickworks has a rich history, operating from 1701 until its closure in 1980. In the 1990s, it reopened as a museum and has since undergone several renovations to preserve and repurpose its historic structures.
Højladen
New Visitors Center and Exhibition
Facts
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Lead Consultant
Architect
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Nivaagaard Teglværks Ringovn
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Fredensborg, Denmark
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1,000 m²
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Vognporten, built 2009-2016
Højladen project 2022-2023, awaiting funding
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Klaus Nielsen Rådgivende Ingeniører
APA has been actively involved in numerous renovation projects, including ‘Vognporten’, a small exhibition and multifunctional building for visiting school activities, restoration of the Ring Furnace building ‘Ringovn’, and the latest project for the full renovation of the main visitors center and exhibition building ‘Højladen’.
Højladen’s preservation and future use
An important part of Nivaagaard Teglværk's history
‘Højladen’ (The High Barn) was built in 1918-20 as a central part of Nivaagaard Teglværks. The 125 meter long, open wooden structure served as a drying barn and warehouse for finished brick products. Over time, the building was altered and after the brickworks closed in 1981, it lost its original architectural connection with the brickworks. Today, only 17 meters are preserved, but now the hay barn is being brought back to its historical context.
Restoration and new life
To restore the building's connection with the listed brickworks, it is undergoing an extensive restoration. The facade is clad with tarred wood in the style of the building traditions of the time, and large glass sections ensure light and create openness towards the museum's exhibited historical brick objects.
A new museum area
The restored hay barn becomes part of the brickworks museum and is divided into three zones:
Exhibition area with historic brick products and specialized tools
Reception and office facilities for museum visitors and volunteers
Workshop and storage for the preservation and maintenance of the collection
With respect for history and a focus on modern museum education, Højladen will be a vibrant meeting point where the brickworks' cultural heritage can be experienced by new generations.
“Vognporten” - multifunctional teaching building
APA led the comprehensive renovation of ‘Vognporten’, transforming it into a school service facility and nature communication center, with a small exhibition of historical brickwork samples. The design respects the original structure while repurposing it to tell the story of the brickworks’ unique history, particularly the Ring furnace, which served as a vital workplace for the local community for over a century.
The facility also highlights the natural surroundings, including the river, forest, meadow, and coast, offering educational opportunities for local schools’ science programs. Additionally, the space functions as a meeting room for local associations, fostering community connection and learning.
Award-winning renovation
APA served as the lead consultant throughout all phases of the project.
For the renovation of the listed building, Alex Poulsen Architects was honoured with Fredensborg Municipality’s Renovation Award 2018, recognizing the studio’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage through thoughtful and innovative design.
Ringovn restoration
Built in 1870, the Nivaagaard Teglværks Ringovn (Ring furnace) is Denmark's oldest and only preserved example of Friedrich Hoffmann’s revolutionary ring furnace design. This innovation was a groundbreaking advancement for the brick industry, marking a significant milestone in industrial history. The ring furnace was designated as a protected industrial building in 1985 and is now part of an ongoing cultural communication project.
APA’s restoration work on the Ringovn included partial demolition and re-bricking of the vault in the circular combustion chamber, ensuring its structural integrity while preserving its historic significance.
