Nivaagaard Teglværks Ringovn
The Nivaagaard Brickworks is a landmark example of industrial heritage preservation, operating from 1701 until its closure in 1980. In the 1990s, it reopened as a museum and has since undergone several carefully planned phases of heritage building restoration and adaptive reuse 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 and restoration of the Ring Furnace building ‘Ringovn’. The latest ongoing project is the full renovation of the main visitors center and exhibition building ‘Højladen’.
Højladen’s preservation and future use
An important chapter of Nivaagaard Teglværk's industrial and cultural heritage
‘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, and it is now being brought back to its historical context through a carefully planned historic building renovation.
Restoration and new life
To restore the building's connection with the listed brickworks, APA is undertaking extensive architectural heritage conservation. The facade is reconstructed with tarred wooden cladding, reflecting the building traditions of time, and large glass sections introduce daylight and create openness towards the museum's exhibited historical brick objects.
This approach follows key principles of adaptive reuse, preserving material authenticity while prepering the building for contemporary museum function.
A new museum area
Once restored, Højladen becomes an integral part of the brickworks museum and will be organized into three functional zones:
Exhibition area showcasing historic brick products, tools, and artefacts
Reception and office facilities for museum visitors and volunteers
Workshop and storage dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of the collection
With its respect for historical construction and its focus on modern museum education, Højladen will serve as a vibrant meeting point where cultural heritage can be experienced, interpreted, and passed on to new generations.
“Vognporten” - multifunctional teaching building
APA led the comprehensive historic building 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 - an icon of industrial heritage that 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 marked a groundbreaking advancement for the brick industry, representing 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 and supporting long-term industrial heritage preservation.
