- Interior
In a 1918 private home with breathtaking views of the beautiful Lake Gentofte north of bustling Copenhagen, the entire first floor has been transformed into a serene retreat. This renovation offers the family a place to retreat and escape the stimuli of everyday life. The renovation highlights the importance of architecture as a framework for our well-being and daily life, with light, materials, colours and scale carefully considered.
The first floor has been completely revamped with an interior specially customised in collaboration with Norm Architects and renowned Danish furniture maker Kolon. This customisation creates a harmonious coherence in the house, with no one-size-fits-all solution applied. By using context-aware and well-integrated designs, sustainability and aesthetic value are combined. 
The central axis of the remodelled space offers an impressive perspective, allowing the entire floor to be surveyed at a glance. This design maximises the sense of space in all three dimensions, with raised ceilings and exposed beams recalling the old architecture of the house. The open layout allows a smooth transition from the bedroom, through the office and children's room, to the bathroom on the other side. This connection between the different spaces creates a rare and harmonious unity.
Natural materials such as oak and dark oiled walnut enhance the warmth and tactility of the interior. The combination of different wood types creates diverse atmospheres; dark tones give a sense of security, while light oak elements give the open spaces an elegant look. This results in a dynamic and stimulating home. A striking design detail is the chimney in the main room, which is encapsulated by a thick wall. This wall provides space for built-in shelves, inspired by the Japanese Tokonoma principle, where treasured objects are displayed like a three-dimensional painting. 
The central axis of the remodelled space offers an impressive perspective, allowing the entire floor to be surveyed at a glance
Practical and aesthetic elements come together in the work and bedroom areas. In the central office, a long plank table is stretched from wall to wall, creating two comfortable workstations. In the bedroom, a low bench is installed along the length of the room under the windows. These elongated elements increase the sense of width in the room, while floor-to-ceiling wardrobe cabinets create an increased sense of height. The bathroom offers a peaceful retreat with walnut cabinets, a purple-grey marble sink and ceramic tiles covering the floor. This serene design contrasts with the bright office space with raised ceilings and light oak floors. A freestanding stone wall covered with the same ceramic tiles as the floor helps define the different functions in the bathroom: toilet, shower and laundry room. Because the wall does not extend all the way to the ceiling, it maintains spaciousness and makes the bathroom feel like a unit. 
This renovation of the first floor of the house on Lake Gentofte is a brilliant example of how customisation and thoughtful design can contribute to a harmonious and stimulating living environment. The use of natural materials, context-conscious designs and clever spatial layouts creates a house that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and sustainable.
Kolon – all interior in wood (floors, cabinets, bed etc.) &Tradition – pillows and linen, office chair
Menu – lamps in the bathroom, bedside table Sørensen Leather – leather on plinth
St. Leo – walls
Dornbracht – faucets
Borderstone – marble sink
Malte Gormsen – stool in bathroom Velux – windows
Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
Text by Celien Hemelaer