A Stunning Apartment in an Old Industrial Building

Projects

A Stunning Apartment in an Old Industrial Building

Project: Holmen Abode / Location: Copenhagen, Denmark / Architecture: Vandkunsten / Interior Architecture and design: Norm Architects / Location: Copenhagen / Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

A well-designed urban oasis with access to all of the amenities cities have to offer is the dream of many people, including a couple that owned a unit in the MTB, a boat repair and maintenance building that was once used by the Danish Navy.

Located in Denmark’s Holmen neighborhood, the old torpedo boat workshop was built in 1954, but when the Navy abandoned Holmen in the 1990s, the area was selected for urban development. Developer Kurt Thorsen saw the potential for converting the huge empty concrete structure into a residential complex and approached Vandkunsten Architects for the design. “We preserved the rough construction elements and designed homes around a large street that is open to the sky, close to the city and directly on the waterfront,” Vandkunsten says.

The owners of this unit approached Copenhagen-based Norm Architects to turn their flat into the space of their dreams. They “dreamt of a space that was both functional and inviting,” the firm says. “They wanted a comfortable home with grand open spaces to entertain guests, while also maintaining a sense of privacy.”

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Norm Architects says the industrial and maritime aspects of the architecture played a significant role in shaping the design inspiration. They wanted to preserve these distinctive characteristics, paying homage to the building’s history while creating a modern, functional space. “The exposed steel beams, for instance, became a central design feature, celebrating the structure’s raw, unpolished beauty,” the firm says.

To give the owners a sense of privacy in the space, Norm established a clear threshold between the private and more public areas. “Overall, the highlight of this space lies in its seamless integration of architectural elements that celebrate openness, views, and comfort, while ensuring a timeless aesthetic that resonates with its natural surroundings.

The architects focused on bespoke, built-in storage solutions to minimize clutter while maximizing usable space effectively. “The key strategy was to design inbuilt storage that seamlessly blends into the overall minimalist aesthetic of the space,” the firm says. “These solutions were tailored to not only provide ample storage but also to enhance the visual appeal of the interior.”

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The decision to change the appearance of the stairs by closing it off created several advantages for the space. Firstly, it introduced a sense of visual calmness and cohesion within the space.

By enclosing the stairs, we minimized visual distractions and promoted a more streamlined aesthetic, contributing to an overall sense of tranquility and order in the space.

One of the standout features is the double-height living room with vaulted ceilings. This expansive area not only offers uninterrupted views of the city and waterfront but also creates a grand yet comfortable atmosphere. “To balance the scale of this space and make it inviting, we incorporated natural materials that appeal to the senses and will age gracefully over time,” Norm Architects says. “This approach enhances the human experience within the space, fostering a warm and tactile environment.”

The existing staircase has been refined to harmonize better with its surroundings. While featuring a sleek surface in the same color as the wall behind it, it still serves as a striking sculptural element within the space. “Drawing inspiration from the maritime backdrop in a minimalist interpretation, the staircase is equipped with steel stringers and railings, enhancing its modern aesthetic while maintaining functionality and elegance. In total, a transformation that exemplifies a seamless union of form and function, where every detail contributes to a cohesive and captivating architectural narrative,” Norm Architects says.

The architects say the flat is a “dreamy fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements that invites tranquility and harmony into the mundane.” This combination was a deliberate choice aimed at achieving a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality that complemented the original steel structure of the space, the architects say.

“Japanese design philosophy, inspired by traditional architecture and principles such as shoji screens, focuses on creating a balance between openness and privacy, as well as a high level of interaction with the interior space,” the firm explains. “These elements are designed not only to provide natural light and a sense of depth but also to encourage a conscious engagement with the environment.

“Scandinavian design, on the other hand, is renowned for its minimalist approach, emphasizing simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. This style often incorporates natural materials and neutral tones to create a serene and inviting atmosphere.”

The choice of materials played a crucial role in enhancing the sensory appeal of the space. “We prioritized natural materials known for their texture and warmth, such as wood, stone, and textiles with varying textures. These materials were selected not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their ability to evoke a sense of comfort and connection to nature,” the firm says. “Additionally, the tones and colors used in the space were chosen to complement the tactile qualities of the materials. Earthy tones, soft neutrals and muted hues were preferred to create a calming and inviting atmosphere.”

This warmth appears throughout the unit, including the shoji screen doors in the bath, wood floors, built-ins and countertops. It also appears in the kitchen. “A custom-designed kitchen, crafted from oak wood and stone, is elegantly framed by the existing steel structure, blending heritage and modernity,” the firm says. “The tactile quality of the chosen materials not only enhances the sense of touch but also adds a rich, organic texture that elevates the entire space.”