The Cornerstones of Solbjerggaard

When renovating and restoring Solbjerggaard and when creating our bed and breakfast, there have been three cornerstones that we have put so much love and attention to. 

1)  The entire home, the gardens and all of the apartments are decorated with the happiness architecture in mind.

2)  All architectural initiatives and restorations are in line with the 17 sustainable development goals.

3)  The blue zones principles (focusing on connection, belonging, movement, relaxation and good food) is brought into our entire concept.

HAPPINESS ARCHITECTURE

To me, growing up in Denmark is connected to design and hygge. Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute and author of the million-copy bestseller 'The Little Book of Hygge', defines these two words so well when he says: 

"Danish design is all about making where we live the best possible environment to our health and wellbeing. Hygge is the art of creating a nice atmosphere for everyone around you. A place for (endless) conversation about small or big things in life or just being - or just be comfortable in each other’s silent company - or you may simply just be by yourself, enjoying a cup of tea. It is the sense of togetherness, warmth, relaxation, feeling safe and welcome and enjoying the simple pleasures of our lives."

The apartments and living spaces at Solbjerggaard have all been designed for happiness, wellbeing and comfort. The public living spaces inside and outside will all facilitate connection in the way they have been, or will be, designed and decorated. I do that by imagining which activities will take place where and how, to create a beautiful environment around the various activities. Each room will for example have a place called the Cosy Viking Corner. That is a seating arrangement against the wall, overlooking the entrance and the room…a safe place as you wish. There will also be lots of plants and good lighting together with a cosy bed with lots of pillows and there will be cutlery that has a nice feeling to it, when you hold it in your hand. Additionally, there will be various books as I love books, magazines, cards, puzzles and colour books, etc. A place where you can relax, listen to good music, read your book and just enjoy your time, regardless of the weather. A place you love to return to after a day full of exciting and lovely experiences.

THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

When I was young, I could not relate to people talking about climate change and the impact it would have on our planet. It was too far from what I knew. The last decades, however, the impact has become evident to all of us: heavy storms, the floods, the forest fires, the increasing or decreasing temperatures, together with an increasing hostility amongst nations, has made me appreciate and embrace the sustainable development goals in a manner that I wish to contribute to in whatever way I can. 

For Solbjerggaard, it means that every element purchased or used is sustainable, unless no alternative exists at the present moment. When entering into a partnership with a company, I always enquire if the value chain is sustainable and if possible, I wish to experience it. That sometimes means that I need to go the extra mile to find materials or a solution that supports the sustainable goals. Using the sustainable development goals as my architectural principles offers me a clear direction and makes it easier to make choices, even if it means that I sometimes have to wait a bit longer as it is often more expensive.

In our logo, you’ll find the tree with bright coloured leaves. The colours represent the colours of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and it is my personal ambition to eventually honour all 17 goals in my own personal and professional way.

For the ones amongst us that are not concerned with the SDG’s on a regular basis, they can seem overwhelming and hard to grasp. The goals are so "big" that it is difficult to translate them into our daily lives. Therefore, I want to use Solbjerggaard as a place to facilitate meet-ups and Living labs, amongst companies that are working on the green transition and companies that offer solutions to each goal. Sharing ideas and collaborating on solutions adds to the feeling of community and gives so much positive energy, fuels creativity and offers solutions that will improve the sustainable journey for all participants.

THE BLUE ZONES PRINCIPLES

The Blue Zones principles, as discovered by Dan Buettner, Explorer and Health expert, add so much beautiful value to life, I think. Thanks to his impressive study on longevity, which has been shared in his books and on Netflix, we have learned that it is possible to create an environment that facilitates longevity. The nine principles hold so much wisdom of a life in touch with nature and ourselves. A balanced life, lived with purpose, in a place where we belong as part of a community. I love it!!

Becoming at age made me reflect on my own way of living and the disconnection I felt with my purpose: creating a place that would facilitate community building. 

As such, Solbjerggaard will be shaped around the Blue Zones principles and we will facilitate initiatives to support the principles. Supported by the Danish Happiness Architecture and the Danish way of living, I wish to provide all of our guests with a warm and cosy stay.