Garde Hvalsøe, known for crafting high-quality kitchens and cabinetry, and Denmark’s leading manufacturer of exclusive wooden flooring, Dinesen, have joined forces with Copenhagen-based architects, Djernes & Bell, for the redesign of their showroom in Aarhus, Denmark.
When three iconic Danish designers come together to create a space, you just know it’s going to be something spectacular. And for the Aarhus showroom, it’s transformed into a hybrid space, where community and collaboration can be celebrated, with functions that tread beyond your typical showroom.
After initially opening in 2018, the 600m2 space is made up of two wings. Each with rooms showcasing specially selected Garde Hvalsoe kitchen and furniture designs, with Dinesen’s plank boards woven throughout. Since then, the brands have partnered with Djernes & Bell to thoughtfully revamp the right wing. Offering a modern narrative to the space, the architects considered the building’s 1890’s Gothic Renaissance roots.
Ensuring the original architectural features in the house remain, a classic Victorian ornamental glass ceiling and colourful glass windows have been preserved. And paying homage to this era where glass, wood and ceramics were frequently found in buildings, Djernes & Bell utilised these materials within the new space.
It was also the original uses of each room that inspired the layout, with the architects re-writing history in a modern context. A salon, a kitchen fitted with the sleekest looking of pantries you’ve ever seen, and a study make up the wing. Each room is an ode to craftsmanship and represent visual stories of different themes.
Upon entry into the right wing, peering through the blushing sheer tailored curtains elegantly draped (made by Kvadrat and Stilling), lies the salon. A gathering space made for sharing ideas. Curved edges draw the eye from the falling curtains to the striking bespoke room divider deeper into the room, which is made from Dinesen’s Douglas planks in an ash oil finish.
Venturing into the kitchen space, Garde Hvalsøe’s traditional elm wood Hoelgaard model sets the tone for the practical and contemporary Danish kitchen. Centrally uniting the room is the elm wood island, with a bespoke storage bench where the architect’s took inspiration from Devon’s own Castle Drogo. And for the pinterest-worthy pantry, it was designed in collaboration with Danish restaurant, Moment. The walls, floor and doorway are made with a tonal pairing of Dinesen’s Ash wood in dark clay oil and Douglas planks.
For the study, Djernes & Bell’s design echoes the quiet workspace and asymmetry of Louis Kahn’s Exeter Academy Library in New Hampshire. With bespoke wooden workhouses and gables, the study space displays Dinesen’s new Curated Widths collection in Oak classic and natural mix with a light oil finish.
The newly completed showroom celebrates the best of Danish design through the finer details, with decorations and homewares carefully selected from local designers and makers. Delicate glass objects handmade by Aarhus-based designer Alexander Kirkeby adorn shelves, paired with ceramics by Sarah Mirkhani. Chairs are from the 8000 series by Magnus Olesen, and lamps from Scandinavian lighting brand, Wästberg.
“We are always proud to collaborate with designers who share our passion for exceptional quality and design. We admire the creative perspective of Djernes & Bell and their concept of paying homage to originality by narrating a past story through a present design. It’s fascinating to see their vision materialise in the new showroom. It’s a celebration of the origins of things.” Søren Hvalsøe Garde, Founder of Hvalsøe Garde
Collaborators
Curtains: Stilling and Kvadrat
Chairs: Magnus Olesen
Ceramics: Sarah Mirkhani
Lamps: Wästberg
Paint: File Under Pop
Glass art: Alexander Kirkeby
Pantry: Restaurant Moment
Stone thresholds: Surface Design Studio
For similar stories, head to our industry news page on enki.
