The New Dining Hall at Dybbøl Efterskole Is a Gathering Place for Everyone

Dybbøl Efterskole’s mission is to create a safe and educational community for students with special needs. ZENI designed the new building in close dialogue with the school’s construction committee and students to ensure that the building meets the needs of both students and staff. The building consists of two elongated gabled volumes that integrate harmoniously with the existing teaching facilities and the surrounding landscape. It is positioned to create a welcoming arrival area while preserving a central, atmospheric tree.

Optimized Facilities for Learning and Well-being

The dining hall is designed to strengthen the sense of community. It features a compact layout with tables placed near windows to provide natural light and views. A central stage, or “speaker’s corner,” allows teachers to address the entire hall. Planter beds of varying heights divide the space into smaller zones, creating visual calm.
In addition to the dining hall, the extension includes a new auditorium and an arrival area with a lounge, cloakroom, and restroom facilities.

Architectural and Acoustic Design

The architectural design signals openness. Inside, the angled ceiling surfaces are made with sound-absorbing materials that improve the acoustic environment and reduce noise—crucial for an optimal learning experience for the school’s student group.
The ceilings consist of LVL slats mounted on underlying acoustic batts. The walls are made of peeled pine with a lightly pigmented surface to maintain a simple Nordic aesthetic. The panels are both perforated and non-perforated to meet the room’s acoustic requirements.
The thoughtful architecture and acoustics ensure that the dining hall at Dybbøl Efterskole becomes a unifying space that promotes community, learning, and tranquility.