Molholm Private Hospital

Denmark

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Molholm Private Hospital

Denmark

Firm

RAVN Arkitektur

Type

Government + Health › Hospital

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2025

SIZE

100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft

Designed by RAVN Arkitektur in collaboration with Mølholm Private Hospital, Niras, MBYland, KG Hansen and KIRKBI, the new Mølholm Private Hospital in Vejle, Denmark, showcases the Nordic approach to healthcare architecture: Patient well-being, natural materials, and strong architectural lines shape every aspect of the design. The hospital blends clinical functionality with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Set within a rewilded landscape beside a protected forest, it offers patients direct access to peaceful outdoor spaces and calming views; setting a new standard for healthcare architecture in Denmark.

The client, KIRKBI, had a clear ambition from the offset: The New Mølholm Private Hospital should provide a feeling of comfort and wellbeing and reduce stress – for both patients and staff.
This was achieved by:
• Creating optimal daylight conditions; both in patient rooms and staff areas.
• Using a varied palette of natural materials and earthy tones throughout; creating coherence between the interior and exterior
• Optimising views towards the surrounding landscape and gardens
• Understanding the practicalities of the hospital workflows and letting these directly inform the layout and design.
• Ensuring proximity between patients, staff and support functions

To secure clear and efficient logistics, the hospital is divided into two distinct zones:
•The Patient zone: This area accommodates outpatient consultations, waiting areas etc. Patients and visitors move freely here.
•The Medical zone: This area is dedicated entirely to clinical processes, hygiene, and surgeries, with functionality and safety as the overriding priorities.
This clear division enables an optimal functional flow, whilst also preserving the discretion of the patients during movement to and from surgical areas. Medical goods are delivered via separate routes, avoiding contact with The Patient Zone.

The hospital is characterised by a high architectural ambition. The primary materials are Flensborg bricks D71 from Petersen Tegl, Thermo Ash wood and the natural stone Gastro Blue Light from E. Nielsen. The palette of materials is similar to that typically used in the architects’ residential projects. The variety in colours and textures creates an almost homely - and certainly calming - atmosphere. The patient experience is at the heart of the design: the waiting areas are arranged around a central arrival point, ensuring short distances from check-in to treatment.

Located next to a protected forest, the hospital is conceived as a clearing in the woods. Excess soil from construction has been reused on site to sculpt a hilly landscape that shields the hospital from nearby roads and forms peaceful outdoor spaces for patients.
What was once farmland has become a rewilded landscape with a significantly richer biodiversity – all accessible to the public.
All patient rooms have direct access to a secluded private terrace for outdoor relaxation.

Remarkably, the building was completed in under five years from initial sketch to final construction.
Costly redesigns were avoided by adhering to clear decision-making processes and timely involvement of all relevant stakeholders. From start to finish, subcontractors contributed high-quality craftsmanship, technical expertise, and a strong spirit of cooperation. A consistent focus on moisture control during construction ensured a healthy and durable building, minimising the need for costly repairs.
The result is a robust, high-performing facility that has operated flawlessly since opening. The first patients were welcomed just weeks after handover, and commissioning and testing were carried out efficiently in close collaboration among all parties.
The hospital is amongst the first healthcare projects in Denmark to achieve the DGNB Gold-certification, reflecting the client, KIRKBI’s commitment to sustainability.