From school to retirement residences

Built in 1921, the Rudkøbing Old School (“Den Gamle Rudkøbing Skole,” in Danish) building is the cultural-historical heart of Langeland. Yet, for many years, the school was empty and no longer serving the community. Boligselskabet Langeland bought the 501-5,000 square metre property to respect the community’s goals to preserve and future-proof the site so it can always act as the cultural gateway to Rudkøbing.

Since buying the local landmark building, Boligselskabet Langeland listened to the community’s interest for more retirement-age housing options and developed project plans to support housing access for older people. Moreover, the site plans also include common community areas to help alleviate loneliness and promote quality of life for retirement age residents.

To preserve the culturally significant building elements—like the facades—while simultaneously transforming site functions requires extensive expertise and analyses.

Converting an old school building into a retirement community involves meticulous analyses of space and materials to seamlessly integrate modern amenities within the original structure's diverse layout.

Assessments reveal the original building’s robust construction make it an ideal candidate for renovation. Its quality materials enable the preservation of the building's character and essence, replacing only essential structural elements like the roof to comply with modern building standards.

“While some may see potential challenges, such as 3-meter-high classrooms, our teams can see how spaces offer ample room and natural light to positively impact residents' well-being,“ according to Thomas Jensen, Head of Industry & Buildings in Funen.

Analysing which building materials to preserve and reuse can help alleviate the project’s environmental impacts, while prioritising accessibility in and around the building helps support social impacts. New elevators and modern furnishings enhance social connections throughout the building and residential units to align with the community’s vision.

The Rudkøbing Old School's extensive exterior preservation might escape immediate notice, but inside visitors and residents alike are unveiled to a modern and charming interior. With 22 social housing units for older adults, the transformation exemplifies how an iconic and historic building can retain its external heritage while adapting to new functionalities. Even, the former janitor's residence now acts as a community house with guest rooms to add to the site’s versatile use.

“The Rudkøbing Old School renewal serves as a model for others who can preserve a building's past while embracing its future,” says Thomas.

To showcase the respect invested in the project, a restoration-start ceremony was held on the 100th anniversary of the school's grand opening to symbolise appreciation for the building’s history and celebrate a vibrant future for the next 100 years of use.