From Henhouses To Hotels

From Henhouses to Hotels – The Humble Beginnings of Hørning

Every company has a beginning, and ours starts not with a factory or a grand architectural vision - but with a few hens and a summerhouse.

In 1925, J.M. Jensen founded what would later become Hørning. But before he began crafting premium hardwood flooring, he started small. His early designs were rooted in practicality: he built chicken coops and summerhouses, simple wooden structures that served everyday needs. 

Jensen was one of the first to start producing factory-made summer houses. Many different models, but typically assembled in a single day. They would call and place an order on a Friday, the house was set up on Saturday, and by Sunday, they were on vacation – it’s that simple! Completed with this motto in mind: “A place in the sun.”  

These were modest projects by any standard, but they laid the foundation for something much larger. Working with wood day in and day out, Jensen developed a deep respect for the material - its grain, its strength, its character. And perhaps more importantly, he learned that good design isn’t about extravagance. It’s about understanding how people live, and how spaces can quietly improve daily life.

That mindset stayed with him as his business evolved. From small structures to full homes, and eventually to solid hardwood floors, Jensen's vision grew with every plank. His craftsmanship matured, his ambition sharpened, and his workshop transformed into a company that would one day supply some of Denmark's most iconic buildings.

Today, we still carry the lessons from those early days. We believe in starting with what matters. In designing with care. And in building things that last - whether it’s a chicken coop in the country side or a 7-star hotel in London.

Because great design doesn’t come from grandeur. It starts with a vision, good raw materials, and above all - dedication.