

Civic Frame
Status:
Completed
Year:
2021-2024
Type:
Cultural Installation
Size:
250 m²
Client:
Musea Foundation
Location:
Antwerp, Belgium






Civic Frame is a minimalist intervention located on the forest edge of southern Sweden’s Skåne region, bordering the protected landscape of Söderåsen National Park. Designed as both a seasonal retreat and working studio for a Copenhagen-based painter, the project responds to a desire for solitude, clarity, and immersion in nature. The architecture does not seek to dominate its setting — rather, it recedes quietly into the rhythm of light, weather, and time.
Civic Frame is a minimalist intervention located on the forest edge of southern Sweden’s Skåne region, bordering the protected landscape of Söderåsen National Park. Designed as both a seasonal retreat and working studio for a Copenhagen-based painter, the project responds to a desire for solitude, clarity, and immersion in nature. The architecture does not seek to dominate its setting — rather, it recedes quietly into the rhythm of light, weather, and time.
The design process began with a careful study of site conditions. Dense woodland encloses the western edge, while open meadows stretch toward the east. In response, the building adopts a long, narrow footprint aligned east to west — allowing for optimal daylighting and soft transitions between interior zones. Spaces are organized sequentially: the north-facing studio receives cool, even light ideal for painting, while the south-facing living space opens to a wooden terrace that catches afternoon sun and extends the interior into the surrounding field. Daily life follows the movement of light — from the quiet east-facing bedroom at sunrise to the golden shadows cast across the workspace at dusk.
The design process began with a careful study of site conditions. Dense woodland encloses the western edge, while open meadows stretch toward the east. In response, the building adopts a long, narrow footprint aligned east to west — allowing for optimal daylighting and soft transitions between interior zones. Spaces are organized sequentially: the north-facing studio receives cool, even light ideal for painting, while the south-facing living space opens to a wooden terrace that catches afternoon sun and extends the interior into the surrounding field. Daily life follows the movement of light — from the quiet east-facing bedroom at sunrise to the golden shadows cast across the workspace at dusk.
All images featured in this template are used solely for demonstration purposes to illustrate layout and design intent. Copyright belongs to the respective authors, credited where possible. These materials may not be copied, redistributed, or used for personal or commercial purposes. Authors: Felipe Hess Arquitetos
All images featured in this template are used solely for demonstration purposes to illustrate layout and design intent. Copyright belongs to the respective authors, credited where possible. These materials may not be copied, redistributed, or used for personal or commercial purposes. Authors: Felipe Hess Arquitetos










Civic Frame is a minimalist intervention located on the forest edge of southern Sweden’s Skåne region, bordering the protected landscape of Söderåsen National Park. Designed as both a seasonal retreat and working studio for a Copenhagen-based painter, the project responds to a desire for solitude, clarity, and immersion in nature. The architecture does not seek to dominate its setting — rather, it recedes quietly into the rhythm of light, weather, and time.
The design process began with a careful study of site conditions. Dense woodland encloses the western edge, while open meadows stretch toward the east. In response, the building adopts a long, narrow footprint aligned east to west — allowing for optimal daylighting and soft transitions between interior zones. Spaces are organized sequentially: the north-facing studio receives cool, even light ideal for painting, while the south-facing living space opens to a wooden terrace that catches afternoon sun and extends the interior into the surrounding field. Daily life follows the movement of light — from the quiet east-facing bedroom at sunrise to the golden shadows cast across the workspace at dusk.
All images featured in this template are used solely for demonstration purposes to illustrate layout and design intent. Copyright belongs to the respective authors, credited where possible. These materials may not be copied, redistributed, or used for personal or commercial purposes. Authors: Felipe Hess Arquitetos
Project team:
Zoé Marin, Elise Bernard
Collaborating architects:
Werkhaus Fabrication
Building physics:
EcoStructures Consulting
Interior designer:
Atelier Lionel Jadot (hotel, health club and restaurant)
Photography:
Laura Van Dijk
Honors:
Designboom Temporary Architecture Feature, Dezeen Interior Space of the Year (2023)
(Other works)