CEBU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY-UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering and Architecture

Department of Architecture

ARCH595 - R01
MIDTERM EXAMINATION

A Case Study on the different Urban Housing Typologies

City of Nuuk, Greenland.

Hipulan, Ann Molly Caballero

March 2024

Arch. Mikka Angela Mendoza-Macario

Instructor
1.0 | Introduction

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, has a unique architectural landscape that reflects the
city's history, cultural traditions, and adaptation to the Arctic climate. Greenland is in a unique
situation when it comes to natural building materials, since there is no natural access to
wood, no clay for bricks and tiles, no factories producing glass, insulation materials, cement,
or other important building materials. Greenland is a country that is completely dependent on
imports to build their shelters.
Initially, the roots of Nuuk's architecture can be traced back to its Traditional Inuit Turf
houses, known as "qarmaq." These sod-walled structures with whalebone frameworks were
designed to withstand the harsh Arctic conditions and were built in harmony with the natural
environment, using whatever materials are available such as ice and snow. But then came
the colonial influences, specifically at the arrival of the Danish settlers in Greenland. These
colonizers paved the way for importing materials for their shelter and even introduced their
own architectural styles. Characterized by their simple lines and functional design, Danish
Architecture became the precursors to Nuuk’s modern architectural identity. These
characteristics are still widely preserved in Nuuk, which can still be seen in the old colonial
buildings, such as the Hans Egede House, from the 1700s in the historic parts of the city.
In the 1960s, the Danish government introduced large apartment blocks like Block P,
a 200-meter-long concrete structure that housed a significant portion of Greenland's
population at the time. However, these blocks were criticized for being culturally insensitive
and unsuitable for the Inuit lifestyle.
Looking forward to the 20th century, Nuuk embraced modernist architecture,
exemplified by buildings like the University of Greenland, which features clean lines, large
windows, and a contemporary design. The city embraced one of its most distinctive features
in urban housing, which is the colorful gabled houses. They are almost exclusively clad in
timber due to tradition and the availability of materials from Denmark, and typically have
bright facades, originally used as a chromatic code to identify different functions. Currently,
contemporary architects in Nuuk are focusing on sustainable and culturally responsive
designs that incorporate local materials, energy efficiency, and elements inspired by the
Arctic landscape and Greenlandic culture, such as the Katuaq cultural center, which takes
inspiration from the Northern Lights.
 Nuuk's urban landscape is unique in that all land is owned by municipalities and
leased for private or commercial purposes, with only the buildings and their foundations being
owned by the lessee. However, this has resulted in a landscape without fences and walls,
where buildings seem to be placed organically, with a minimum distance of 10 meters
between them for fire safety.
The urban housing scenario in Nuuk presents both challenges and opportunities.
While the housing shortage and high costs pose significant obstacles, the focus on
sustainability and cultural integration offers a path forward. Addressing these issues requires
a multifaceted approach that balances economic development, environmental sustainability,
and social equity.

2.0 | Analysis of Building Typologies

2.1. Detached Housing
Detached houses in Nuuk, Greenland, are characterized by their individual,
standalone structure, which means they do not share walls with neighboring buildings.
These houses are often small and compact, averaging around 70 square meters in
size. They typically feature a high-pitched roof and are brightly colored, which is a
traditional aspect of Greenlandic architecture. Detached houses in Nuuk may be
owned by individuals, the government, or municipalities, and are often used by families
who prefer private living spaces.

Colorfully-painted wooden homes line the streets of the old town of Nuuk, Greenland.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/b7/26/9ab726b5b377543ae05bff5edfd72b16.jpg
2.2. Semi-Detached Housing
Semi-detached housing in Nuuk refers to a pair of houses joined together by a
common wall. This design is efficient in terms of heat retention, which is crucial in the
Arctic climate. They may offer a balance between the privacy of detached homes and
the community feel of more closely situated housing typologies. Following the tradition
of Greenlandic architecture, semi-detached houses also feature brightly colored
exteriors, which stand out against the snowy landscape and help to improve visibility
during the long, dark winters. These housing typologies in Nuuk are typically compact
and are designed to maximize functionality within a limited space.

Houses in Nuuk, fishermans huts in the foreground, Greenland

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-apartments-in-narsaq-fishermans-huts-in-the-foreground-south-gree
nland-36366167.html?imageid=60B7A410-B28E-4A7E-8092-41736F48D4F3&p=74613&pn=1&searchI
d=84a339e0ab388bc271c7e2c5e5416874&searchtype=0

Houses in Greenland
https://d2gg9evh47fn9z.cloudfront.net/1600px_COLOURBOX6662016.jpg
2.3. Terraced / Row Housing
Terraced or row housing is a type of residential architecture where multiple
similar or identical homes are conjoined in a row, sharing side walls. This style is
somewhat less common in Greenland compared to standalone or semi-detached
homes, given the country's vast landscapes and smaller population density. However,
in urban areas like Nuuk, terraced housing can be found as part of efforts to provide
efficient, sustainable living spaces that make the most of limited urban land and
respond to the growing population.

Colourful facade on housing; Nuuk, Sermersooq, Greenland

https://focusedcollection.com/398408294/stock-photo-colourful-facade-housing-nuuk-sermersooq.html

Houses, Nuuk, Greenland

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-houses-nuuk-greenland-41674406.html
2.4. Apartments
The facades of apartment buildings in Nuuk are often colorful, following a
long-standing tradition dating back to the 18th century when buildings were
color-coded based on their function.Traditional smaller apartment houses in Nuuk
follow the characteristic high-pitched roof and compact form of archetypal Greenlandic
homes, averaging around 70 square meters.The facades are typically clad in timber,
reflecting the archetypal Greenlandic gable-roofed house style. However, more
modern apartment blocks constructed rapidly in the mid-20th century tend to have
concrete facades, giving parts of Nuuk a "slum-like appearance" due to poor
maintenance.
The design of these apartments did not always consider the local lifestyle, with
issues such as doors not wide enough for winter attire and minimal closet space.
Newer apartment towers are being constructed in areas like Qinnqorput, which may
offer more modern amenities and designs.

Colourful houses, apartments, apartment blocks at Greenland on a wet rainy day

https://www.alamy.com/colourful-houses-apartments-apartment-blocks-at-sisimiut-greenland-on-a-wet-r
ainy-day-in-july-image558810412.html?imageid=10193FFB-2E9D-464E-8E1D-1D9A35959B3F&p=1742
7&pn=1&searchId=84a339e0ab388bc271c7e2c5e5416874&searchtype=0
2.5. Social Housing
Social housing in Nuuk is typically provided by the public sector, including the
Self-Government of Greenland and Sermersooq Municipality. These dwellings are
often rented and connected with employment, offering favorable rental conditions as
part of the employment contract. Social housing has been a significant contributor to
the improvement of housing conditions in the Arctic. However, there is a shortage of
housing in Nuuk, leading to long waiting lists for social housing units. The lack of
investment and the high cost of construction materials, which have to be imported,
contribute to the housing shortage

Government Public Housing Buildings

http://v2.travelark.org/travel-blog-entry/newsbob/10/1503000388
3.0 | References

Kurby Real Estate AI. (n.d.). From Past to Present: The Evolution of Nuuk, Greenland's
Architecture. Retrieved from https://blog.kurby.ai/from-past-to-present-the-evolution-of-
nuuk-greenlands-architecture/
Bjarløv, S.P. (August 2011). The potential and need for energy saving in standard family
detached and semi-detached wooden houses in arctic Greenland. Building and
Environment.
DesignPicsPremium. (n.d.). Colourful facade on housing; Nuuk, Sermersooq, Greenland -
houses, residential - Stock Photo. FocusedCollection. Retrieved from
https://focusedcollection.com/398408294/stock-photo-colourful-facade-housing-nuuk-s
ermersooq.html
EarthCheck. (2021, August 31). Nuuk became the first sustainable capital in the world.
Retrieved from https://earthcheck.org/news/nuuk-becomes-the-first-sustainable-
capital-in-the-world/
Garcia, David, and A (n.d.). View From Nuuk, Greenland. Architectural Review. Retrieved
from https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/view-from-nuuk-greenland
Major, M. D. (2017, July 4). Urban Patterns | Nuuk, Greenland. The Outlaw Urbanist.
Retrieved from https://outlaw-urbanist.com/urban-patterns-nuuk-greenland
Visit Greenland. (n.d.). Architecture in Greenland. Visit Greenland. Retrieved from
https://visitgreenland.com/about-greenland/architecture-in-greenland-2/