Aedalsparken, Hoersholm

Long slab blocks of apartments, high density, high rise, extensive greenspace-
Example of the housing company working with the tenants to redesign bleak entrance areas and car parking, making them into pleasant and attractive greenspaces - regeneration funded by the housing company

These flats, managed by DAB Housing Company, were built by the Horsholm non-profit housing corporation. Until recently the blocks were in a poor state but they were repaired and given new facades - new penthouse apartments were built on the roof and the addition of a roof structure has radically changed the appearance for the better. The look of the outdoor area was also changed in an attempt to make the wide open spaces more friendly and attractive to users. The result of this regeneration scheme is that these flats are popular - they are relatively cheap and near public transport (trains) and attract young people. They consist of huge, long blocks, but inhabitants have the advantage of looking out over fields and woods beyond their adjacent car parking and greenspaces.

The improvements have meant an increase in rent, but at the same time the area has become more socially stable and turnover of tenancies has slowed down.

Among more recent improvements is the option for glass covered balconies for those tenants who accept a small increase in their rent.

Hard standing areas for car parking have changed from asphalt deserts to attractive shelters for cars. The addition of these open, but roofed car-parking areas has improved the visual image when viewed from above.

As part of the renovations the soil in the tree beds within the parking areas was changed from "stable" gravel, which was heavily compacted and restricting the capacity of trees to grow, to a good growing medium and the trees are now beginning to grow.

Although much of the car-parking area is now covered in lawn, the edges of the spaces are carefully designed to give a human scale to spaces which would otherwise be dwarfed by the immense housing block. The archway above is one of the many symbolic "entrances" which have been placed along pathways from the car park and bus stops to the main entrances to the flats (all entrances to the buildings are secure and caretakers live on site).

An attempt has been made to redesign the main pathway at the foot of the building and to give it the character of a "green walkway" .

Beech hedges are now used to surround green areas. The whole image of the estate has been improved.

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