The journey from Copenhagen to Uzon House in Hellebæk by train feels like stepping into another era. June, arguably the finest time to visit this enchanting locale, bathes everything in a gentle warmth without overwhelming. It’s perfect weather for wandering the streets of the capital during the 3DaysofDesign festival. Once the festival wraps up, we eagerly anticipate our rendezvous with Jan Utzon, scion of the renowned architect and current custodian of the family estate.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that Danish architecture embraced functionalism on a broader scale, with Jørn Utzon being a key proponent of this paradigm shift. His home in Hellebæk stands as an early embodiment of this transition. Beyond being a private residence, Jan elucidates that Utzon House was conceived as a hub for experimentation and innovation. The residence engages in a constant dialogue with its natural surroundings through expansive windows—Jan proudly refers to them as “Belgian glass”—offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, including a garden adorned with sculptures crafted by his own hand.
Jan’s educational journey led him from the Sydney School of Architecture to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. A dedicated advocate of Jørn Utzon’s work, Jan tells us how he ended up becoming the owner of the family home: “One day my father said, ‘Who wants what, boys?’ It only took us a few minutes to decide between the siblings.
Jan embodies the same genuine generosity during our visit that he attributes to his father. How incredibly fortunate to have him as a role model, not just in familial matters but also in professional and personal aspects.
