Diatoms Fur is a small project placed in a unique landscape on the island of Fur, Denmark. The project consists of thee sculptural objects carefully placed to emphasize a special place relating to the history or nature of the site. The inspiration for and title of the project comes from the microscopic algae Diatoms that are the main component in the special Diatomaceous earth of the area.

The small island of Fur contains a very unique and delicate landscape. The special geology of the area called the Fur Formation is a Diatomite sediment approx. 60 meters thick consisting of diatomite with up to 180 layers of volcanic ash dating up to 55 million years back. The Formation has been shaped by the ice ages into a modulating landscape of hills, valleys and cliffs. In addition for the last century local industries have further shaped the landscape in terms of quarrying. One of the most unique places to experience this is the cliff formation called Fur Knudeklint on the west side of the island. On this site a combination of naturally formed cliffs rising up to 30 meters above the water and large valleys created by humans has created a unique place to experience the landscape and geology of Fur.

 

The area around Fur Knudeklint has a history as an induatrial site from the 1920ies where mining started. This activity continued until the 1990ies and has left a vast landscape of canyons. The biggest of these placed close to Fur Knudeklint is approx. 120 meters long, 40 meters wide and 20 meters deep. After the mining industry ceased the site was sold and in 2005 the new owners opened a micro brewery Fur Bryghus in the restored main building from the mining era.

In 2012 LETH & GORI in collaboration with Reiulf Ramstad Architects was chosen by the foundation Realdania and Naturatyrelsen to develope a project in the area around Fur Knudeklint. The project is one of ten projects in Realdania and Naturstyrelsen’s campaign ‘Steder i Landskabet‘ [Places in the Landscape] celebrating ten unique places in the Danish landscape.

 

Project: Diatoms Fur Knudeklint Year: 2012-2015 Client: Naturstyrelsen/ Realdania Type: Commission Programme: Viewing platforms  Architects: LETH & GORI + Reiulf Ramstad Architects Consultants: Buro Happold and Anne Tietjen Status: Completed