Large south-facing windows, open plan, low roof and a carport integrated into the house. The 70s type house (typehus) was a revolution in Danish residential construction — mass-produced, rational and accessible for ordinary families. But 50 years on, the weaknesses are plain to see: the roof is worn, heat escapes through the large glazed sections, and the insulation falls far short of modern standards.
Here is an overview of what to expect — and what it costs.
What defines the 70s type house?
Type houses from 1970–79 were built by companies such as Lind & Risør, Eurodan-huse, Arne Jacobsen/SAS-husene and many others. Common features:
- Low roof pitch. Often 15–25 degrees with concrete roof tiles or roofing felt. Many have an underlayer of boards with bitumen felt — a construction vulnerable to condensation.
- Large window sections. Especially south- and west-facing. Double glazing without coating — significant heat loss and overheating in summer.
- 100 mm wall insulation. Glass wool or mineral wool that over time may have settled, leaving cold bridges.
- Ground slab without insulation. Concrete floor directly on soil with 0–50 mm insulation. Cold floors.
- Open floor plan. Living room and dining area in one space — but often with split levels and awkward corners.
- Flat roof or low pitch. Limited potential to use the roof space.
What does it cost?
New roof: 130,000–350,000 DKK Concrete roof tiles from the 70s typically have a 30–50 year lifespan and are reaching the end of their service life. The underlayer is often the weakest element — condensation and moisture in the roof structure require replacement of the entire build-up. New clay tiles or concrete tiles with a vapour-permeable underlayer are the standard solution.
Additional insulation: 80,000–250,000 DKK Top-up insulation of ceiling (200 mm extra): 15,000–30,000 DKK. External walls (cavity fill or external cladding): 40,000–200,000 DKK. Ground slab: difficult and expensive to insulate unless the floor is being replaced anyway.
New windows: 100,000–200,000 DKK 70s houses typically have many and large windows. Replacement with triple-glazed energy glass delivers a noticeable improvement in comfort and 15–25% lower heating consumption.
New heat source: 60,000–150,000 DKK Most 70s houses had gas or oil boilers. Switching to a heat pump — air-to-water is the most common — cuts heating costs by 40–60%.
Bathroom: 80,000–200,000 DKK Original bathrooms with plastic cladding and outdated drainage. New waterproofing, underfloor heating and modern fittings.
Asbestos handling: 15,000–80,000 DKK Depending on the extent. Fibre cement panels, ceiling tiles and vinyl floor tiles must be removed by a certified contractor and disposed of as hazardous waste.
New kitchen with revised floor plan: 100,000–300,000 DKK Many 70s kitchens are too small for modern use. Opening up to the living and dining area often requires removing a load-bearing wall — steel beam and structural engineer’s calculations: 15,000–40,000 DKK. New kitchen on top of that: 60,000–200,000 DKK depending on quality.
New electrical installation: 30,000–80,000 DKK 70s houses rarely have enough sockets and circuits for modern consumption. A new distribution board with RCD protection and additional circuits is typically necessary.
Energy — the major savings potential
The 70s type house is one of the most energy-demanding housing types in Denmark. An unrenovated 130 m² house typically uses 25,000–40,000 kWh/year for heating. With a comprehensive energy renovation you can bring this down to 10,000–15,000 kWh/year.
This requires:
- Top-up insulation of ceiling to 300 mm
- Cavity fill or external wall insulation
- New windows with energy glazing
- New heat source (heat pump or district heating)
- Vapour barrier in the ceiling structure
With these measures the energy rating can be lifted from F/G to C or B — and the annual heating bill reduced by 15,000–25,000 DKK.
Which 70s houses are most at risk?
Houses with flat roofs. Greatest risk of condensation and moisture damage. Check the loft space for signs of damp.
Houses with fibre cement roofing. Asbestos-containing panels must be removed by a specialist company. Budget 60,000–150,000 DKK for a complete roof replacement including asbestos remediation.
Houses without a cavity wall. Lightweight concrete or aerated concrete walls without a cavity cannot be cavity-filled. External insulation is the only effective solution here — but it changes the appearance of the house.
Houses with unheated conservatories. Many 70s houses had a garden room or conservatory added in the 80s. Often without planning permission and with minimal insulation. Check BBR to see whether the extension is registered.
The right sequence
- Asbestos screening — before anything else
- Building envelope — roof, facade, windows, insulation
- New heat source — sized to the reduced heat demand
- Interior — bathroom, kitchen, floors, finishes
Floor plan — the untapped potential
The 70s type house often has an odd mix of open plan and awkward niches. The most common improvements:
- Remove split levels. Many type houses have 1–2 steps between living and dining areas. This is impractical, difficult for those with mobility issues and creates an uneven floor that is hard to furnish. Excavation and new floor: 30,000–80,000 DKK.
- Open up the entrance and cloakroom. The hallway is often a narrow corridor with a wardrobe unit. Removing the wardrobe and reconfiguring gives space and light from the front door.
- Merge bedrooms. Two small bedrooms of 7–8 m² can be combined into one proper room. Lightweight partition removed: 5,000–15,000 DKK.
- Extension towards the garden. Many 70s plots are large enough for a 15–30 m² extension providing a new kitchen-dining room with direct access to the garden. Check the plot coverage ratio.
Remember building permits are required for changes to load-bearing structures.
Key facts about 70s house brands
The most common 70s type houses in Denmark:
- Lind & Risør — pitched roof, clay tile, well-proportioned. Relatively straightforward to renovate.
- Eurodan-huse — often with flat roofs and large glazed sections. Greater energy challenge.
- Kalmar-huse — lightweight construction, often with fibre cement. Requires attention to asbestos.
- PH-huse (Poul Henningsen-inspired) — focus on daylight and orientation. Good basic structures.
If you know your house type, you can find specific knowledge about its construction and known weaknesses.
How to move forward
The 70s type house is rewarding to renovate — the construction is simple and the effect of energy renovation is large. But it requires a plan that accounts for asbestos, sequencing and budget. Start with a professional survey so you know what is most urgent.
If you have a slightly older house, our guide to renovation of 60s suburban houses may also be relevant — many of the challenges overlap.
Sources: Bolius — 70s houses, Danish Energy Agency