PALMELUND, a woodcraft and design company, is located at the family farm of Birgitte Palmelund in West Jutland.
Here, Birgitte’s parents Ehlers Bolding Jakobsen and Anna Marie Kjær Jakobsen run a 30-hectare farm with arable land, animals, trees and heathland.
Together, Birgitte and Johannes Gundesen have transformed an old barn on the farm from 1957 into a design studio and woodcraft workshop.
Their three sons, Bertil Palmelund Gundesen from 2008, Julius Palmelund Gundesen from 2011 and William Palmelund Gundesen from 2014, are the fourth generation to live at the farm.
Birgitte was educated as a cabinetmaker at Malte Gormsen A/S, Herlev in 2007, after which she studied architecture and furniture design at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture in Copenhagen from 2002-2004. Birgitte also taught at Himmerland Youth School (9th-10th grade; mathematics and outdoor life) and at Agerbæk School (1st-2nd grade; mathematics, natural science and physical education).
Three things that motivate Birgitte
- To create a learning environment where children can discover themselves and their abilities. They are not empty vessels that we simply fill up, but a rich source of potential that we as adults must help to develop.
- At skabe læringssrum, hvor børn kan opdage sig selv og deres kompetencer. De er ikke tomme kar, vi bare skal fylde op, men rige på muligheder, vi voksne skal støtte dem i at udvikle.
- Materials that patinate beautifully. Good design must be able to tell an inspiring story of being used and changed over time. Most natural materials patinate beautifully.
- All the curiosity, courage, creativity, tenacity, sense of justice, desire for community and living in the moment that all children are born with, and which we as adults have a responsibility to nurture and cherish
The Library at The International School in Billund is one of the projects that Birgitte is most proud of. Here we have a well thought out concept for a modern library. Where others would traditionally entertain and inspire using technology and books, we have created a calm space for contemplation, play and togetherness. A refuge surrounded by the technology, knowledge at the touch of a button, physical activity and rich opportunities that modern society provides. An integrated word and number workshop, where the children can reflect and contemplate in a calm environment.
Qualified joiner at Brødrene Andersen Møbelsnedkeri A/S, Hinnerup in 2007, and previously a photographer at Profilm in Kolding and Archeology Department site technician and Reconstruction Department craftsman at Vendsyssel Historical Museum.
Three things that motivate Johannes
- To give children the best opportunities to blossom and develop into social, inquisitive and enthusiastic adults.
- To read a new piece of wood. To know how I use its strengths and weaknesses, and work it with care.
- To combine aesthetics and function for the benefit of children and adults. Birgitte and I have probably the world’s most satisfying jobs!
The Shaving Bench is one of Johannes’ favorites; a great tool for learning and developing.
I’m happy that more and more customers are discovering what it’s capable of.
The Shaving Bench gives even small children an appreciation of the joy that good craftsmanship can bring. Using their senses, children experience what it’s like to work with various types of fresh and dried wood. They experience the relevance of grain direction and tool sharpness, and understand the significance, culture and history of craftsmanship.