trappehus

Trappehus, a Danish term meaning “staircase house,” refers to a type of residential building in which multiple dwellings are accessed primarily from one or more shared staircases. The concept emphasizes the staircase as the central organizing element of the building, with individual apartments opening onto corridors or landings connected to the stairwell.

Typical features of trappehuse include a masonry construction—often brick or plastered walls—and a rectangular or compact plan. The staircase may run along a central axis or form a prominent vertical element within the building, sometimes creating a light well or courtyard feeling in the interior. Apartments are usually arranged along corridors on each floor, and in historical examples kitchens, toilets, and other facilities were shared or arranged on each floor, reflecting the housing standards of their time.

Historically, trappehuse emerged in Denmark during periods of rapid urban growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They provided relatively economical housing for workers and residents in expanding city centers, offering multiple dwellings within a compact footprint. The design also facilitated construction and maintenance in urban environments where land was at a premium.

In contemporary contexts, many trappehuse remain as functional multi-family residences. Some have undergone renovations to improve comfort, accessibility, and energy efficiency, while others are preserved as part of cultural heritage and urban typology studies. The term is primarily used in Danish architectural discourse and is less common in mainstream English-language description, where these buildings are typically referred to as stairwell or tenement-style housing.