For Niels Worm and his son Jacob, the task of restoring Christinero, a romantic 18th-century garden near Christiansfeld, Denmark, is more than just a project; it’s a mission to revive a piece of Danish heritage. Using machine control technology from Makin, Niels and Jacob Worm of Præstevejens Jord- & Vandhuller are navigating this historic landscape restoration with precision and efficiency.
Bringing 1813 Plans to Life with Modern Technology
Christinero was first designed in the late 1700s by chambermaid Christina Friederica von Holstein as a secluded retreat surrounded by nature. The garden’s intricate paths wind through ancient trees, historic monuments, and lush, natural settings. The garden is today owned by the Moravian Church in Christiansfeldt. In 2023, a donation from the A.P. Møller Foundation funded the garden’s restoration, allowing landscape architect Charlotte Skibsted and her team to revive the original 1813 layout.
Restoring this heritage site presented unique challenges due to the complex layout, narrow paths, and numerous heritage trees. But with Makin’s machine control system, Niels and Jacob could accurately recreate each winding path without disrupting the natural setting. Niels describes how, with the paths mapped out on his screen, he could see exactly where he needed to be, ensuring the new paths perfectly align with the historic layout.
Digital model of showing trees and the footpaths used in the Makin’ 3D machine control system.
Precision Excavation with Makin’ 3D Excavator
One particularly valuable feature of the Makin’ 3D Excavator system was the ability to manage root zones and prepare planting areas without needing a surveyor at every step. Niels could locate roots and critical planting zones directly on his machine’s screen, saving time and minimizing disturbances to the site. “It’s incredibly efficient,” he says, “especially with a project like this, where paths and planting areas are so delicate and intricate.”
When installing drainage systems to prevent water runoff from damaging the paths, the Makin system helped Niels set precise slopes for the pipes. He also used real-time mapping to position paths around heritage trees, relying on the system to avoid collisions when maneuvering backwards.
Niels Worm inside his JCB excavator equipped with Makin’ 3D machine control system.
Overcoming Challenges Under the Canopy
Maintaining a strong satellite signal occasionally proved challenging in areas with dense tree cover. But Niels quickly adapted, moving the machine slightly to regain the connection. With some lines temporarily hidden on the tablet, he could see critical details like tree positions, essential when creating the pathways.
Makin’ 3D offers excellent connectivity.
An Indispensable Tool for Heritage Restoration
Reflecting on the project, Niels says he’s amazed at how far technology has come since he first started using machine control 30 years ago.
“Once you’ve used a system like this,” he says, “it’s hard to imagine working without it.”
Makin’s machine control system has effectively helped father and son, Niels and Jacob, carry out the work quickly and accurately, enabling the old garden to be restored to its original appearance.
See Præstevejens Vandhuller’s website here: www.vandhuller.dk
Author and photographer: Karina Lykke Lumholt
