Lilleheden Delivers Structural Elements for Iconic Forest Theme Park
50 years of fun and enjoyment in the North Jutland forest are encapsulated in a major anniversary project at Fårup Sommerland. This season, guests are welcomed by a new and significantly expanded main entrance, creating a larger welcome area and setting the stage for experiences from the moment they arrive. North Jutland glulam manufacturer Lilleheden is one of several local suppliers who have made a strong impact on the project, drawing inspiration from the park’s history and its close connection to the surrounding forest.
This year, the North Jutland amusement park Fårup Sommerland is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As part of the celebration, a new entrance area has recently been constructed. Here, wood and the forest have served as the main sources of inspiration, along with a strong focus on local collaboration.
“The new main entrance is a central part of a larger experience area in the park, which also includes a new large ice cream dairy and improved staff facilities. We’ve aimed to elevate the guest experience upon arrival while emphasizing the connection to the forest through the use of materials like wood. It’s also been important for us to choose local suppliers where possible to support the North Jutland region, to which we have strong ties,” says Tue Albrektsen, Technical Manager at Fårup Sommerland.
One of the local suppliers is Lilleheden, based in Hirtshals, which not only delivered the load-bearing glulam beams for the project but also handled the structural planning. CEO Hans Henrik von Platen-Hallermund is pleased that Lilleheden had the opportunity to make its mark on this significant building at Fårup Sommerland:
“Fårup Sommerland is an iconic park for many, and as a North Jutland company, it’s especially meaningful to have contributed to the renewal of the main entrance. Our glulam beams align perfectly with the park’s vision of using natural materials, with wood at the center. The planning process went smoothly, and we are very proud that guests are greeted by the glulam structure at the entrance, where it truly shines in harmony with the other materials.”
Architecture with a Local Touch
P+P Architects, with offices in Aalborg and Thisted, designed the new main entrance and the surrounding experience area. Throughout the process, they maintained close collaboration with Lilleheden, which was key to fulfilling Fårup Sommerland’s vision.
“Fårup Sommerland had clear goals and visions for the new area, including a visible entrance that opens up to guests. That made close collaboration with Lilleheden essential. Historically, the park has featured many wooden buildings, and wood was also to be the key material in the main entrance. The large stained glulam beams not only protect the wood from weather but also create warmth and a welcoming atmosphere,” says Esben Broe, project architect at P+P Architects.
Hans Henrik von Platen-Hallermund adds:
“We produce our glulam from North Swedish spruce, where the cool climate contributes to making the wood particularly strong and weather-resistant. Glulam is an incredibly durable material in itself, and the staining adds further protection, ensuring that the new main entrance can welcome guests for many years to come.”