- Interior
This cosy hotel is hidden behind a historic façade in the Nordhavn district of Copenhagen. The suites with earthy tones offer heavenly sleeping places and are also the showroom of design brand Menu. In order to achieve this result, Menu collaborated with architecture studio Norm Architects.
The Audo hotel includes the headquarters of Menu and ten suites, all of which are decorated with the brand's furniture, lighting and home accessories collections. By doing so, the design brand wants to emphasize the multidisciplinary and unifying character of design. The name, Audo, is an abbreviation of the Latin term Ab Uno Disce Omnes, meaning "from one, learn all", and defines the space as a place for people to share ideas, experiences and knowledge. The Audo is a meeting place where the international art and design community can come together, collaborate, experiment and can incorporate the inspiration they find into a unique story to share with the world. 
Menu and Norm Architects renovated an old merchant's house from 1918 into a shipping magnate in Nordhavn, the new waterfront district and Copenhagen's former industrial harbour. The building is one of the oldest in the area. Menu and Norm Architects therefore chose to keep the old facade as a tribute to the historical character of the building. The concept of Audo is like a hybrid concept according to the founders: on the outside it has historical references, but the inside of the building tells a contemporary and sustainable story. Rational and industrial concrete structures enabled the duo to transform the building very freely. 
The ground floor was completely stripped of its existing partition walls and was given concrete tiled floors and perforated black metal ceilings. The tactile, white bourboucle benches in the room contrast with the marble coffee tables and chocolate coloured, velvet armchairs. Together they form a mix of retro and Scandinavian modernism. When we said that the hotel is also a showroom, we meant it. All the furniture, curtains, decorations, ... that you find in the hotel are for sale. Did you have a nice stay and fell in love with that one sofa? Just take it with you! (After paying for it of course) 
On the outside it has historical references, but the inside of the building tells a contemporary and sustainable story.
The living room is Audo's heart and soul, with its olive-green corner sofa and poufs with leafy prints. The 'amphitheatrical' staircase leads directly to Menu's headquarters and the common workspace. These are separated from each other by black-framed glass panels. Guests can take the lift to their suite which is located in the former attic of the building under the original wooden beams of the ceiling. The rich tones of the terracotta walls and Dinesen oak floorboards form a rustic whole. The further you get into the hotel, the more intimate and warm the choice of materials becomes. The more the rooms evoke a feeling of tranquillity and serenity.
All Images Courtesy of Norm Architects