DR has profiled Freja Elmer, a self-employed carpenter from Horbelev on Falster who appears in the television program “Søren Vester bygger sommerhus,” and who says she almost did not dare choose the trade.
In an article published on September 14, 2026, DR reports that Elmer is currently building a roof construction for Søren Vester’s summer house. The program is airing on DR TV and DR1. She trained as a bygningssnedker, a building carpenter, and now runs her own workshop.
Elmer tells DR that she let her own prejudices limit her. She doubted she was strong enough for a trade dominated by men, and feared becoming a burden to male colleagues on a building site.
She searched social media for women who had done what she dreamed of, but found few examples. She says such role models would have mattered greatly when she was choosing an education.
Instead, she first trained as a technical designer, which placed her near the trade without putting her in it. According to DR, it took a period of sick leave with stress before she stopped and reconsidered her choice.
Elmer qualified as a building carpenter four years ago and later became self-employed. She describes the step as nerve-racking, and says she is still testing many things. Her dog in the workshop is nicknamed “Lærling,” or apprentice.
Role model on Instagram and on screen
On Instagram, Elmer documents life as a female carpenter. She is also an ambassador for Boss Ladies, an organization that works to challenge stereotypes and change workplace culture.
She tells DR that reactions come from all age groups. Older people say they wish they had had her as a role model, while younger ones thank her for showing the way.
On the building site in “Søren Vester bygger sommerhus,” she says there was no focus on her being the only woman among the tradespeople. Elmer notes that the best workplaces are those where you do not notice being a minority.
About the program
The series follows Søren Vester and his family as they turn an old husmandssted near Agger into a modern summer house across eight episodes. DR’s culture coverage describes the project as an experiment with climate-friendly materials, including human hair in the floor and grass in the walls.
Realdania states that it supports the program, presenting the house as a test case for climate-friendly renovation and building practices. Other media coverage reports that the eight-episode series premiered on DR in August 2026.
Elmer’s workshop is based in Horbelev on Falster, where she combines her own commissions with the television work. She says she expects calmer conditions in about five years.
