A gently sloping wooden ramp leads down to a beautiful boardwalk out of the surface of Lemvig Lake, a large kettlehole lake formed at the end of the ice age. Vega’s design makes the lake more accessible for all while opening the lakeshore to visitors and connecting the city to the lake, providing new possibilities for both residents and tourists. Kayaks and other small crafts can tie up to the new boardwalk, while swimmers can reach the water more easily.
Historically, the inhabitants of Lemvig have accessed the lake using boardwalks for decades. In the 1930s, a straight wooden boardwalk connected the south corner of the lake while a fishing bridge extended out into the water on the west side. In the north, several sets of steep steps and ramps allowed residents to lower their boats down to the shore. On the east side near the town, a fence stood between the road and the lake, because there was a small duck farm in the shallow water.
In 2020, before the initiation of the urban renewal program that would fund the new boardwalk, the lakeshore by the town was clogged with reeds. There was only one access point in the northwest corner where a short fishing bridge extended over the water. A large sports field stood on the other side of the road that runs parallel to the lakeshore, creating a barrier between the lake and the town. The path next to the water was often very close to the road, an uncomfortable environment for pedestrians. Meanwhile, the plants around the lake were in some places natural, in others trimmed back or replaced with turf. The renewal project sought to increase connectivity by converting the sports field into an urban gathering space and commissioning the new Lemvig Lake boardwalk. Vega designed both the boardwalk and a new planting strategy for the lakeshore.
The boardwalk provides a relaxing shortcut across the water, away from the road, with views of the lake and the new biodiverse planting area. The accessible ramp is paired with an elegant flight of stairs that double as seating, with views out onto the lake. A built-in climbing net increases interest for more playful visitors, allowing them to come closer to the water without getting wet at normal water levels. If exceptional rain raises the level in the lake, visitors can still sit on the steps and enjoy the view without getting wet. The deck continues from the bottom of the ramp, meandering along parallel to the shore, drawing visitors out for a walk on the water.
To create a wild and natural lakeshore, Vega worked with the existing vegetation around the circumference of the lake to develop a biodiverse planting plan for areas that were disturbed by construction. Now, the whole lakeshore is unified with a wild and natural character, so that visitors can experience the local ecology while they walk on the deck.
On a sunny day, visitors were enjoying the deck along with a family of ducks, while children played in the net and couples strolled on the boardwalk. The deck was well-built, handsome and sturdy, with patinaed steel piles supporting it. On a stormy day when the water level rose, a few brave souls went out to watch the water, while the steel piles registered where the deck lay underneath the waves.
Project typology:
Lakeshore wooden ramp
• Other credits you need or wish to write:
Pictures: VEGA, Arne Overby
• Location of the project
Enghavevej 22, 7620 Lemvig. DK
