One of Europe’s most anticipated hotel launches, Villa Copenhagen officially opened its doors in the heart of Denmark’s capital in the Summer of 2020. Goddard Littlefair were called upon to transform the public areas of this former iconic building, originally designed in 1912 by architect Heinrich Wench in Neo-Baroque style, with the aim to accentuate the historic aspects of the building and its architecture while also introducing contemporary Nordic designs. These areas included the Pool Terrace, Wellness areas, Pre-function rooms and Event Breakout spaces, Meeting rooms and art filled staircases.
The vision was to create a destination with a point of difference; introducing something new and fun to the marketplace whilst resonating with the locale and honoring the Scandinavian design sensibility. The studio’s ambition was to attract hotel guests, the general public and local residents into each restaurant and bar by creating unique yet informal spaces that each offer something extraordinary.
Exploring the idea of versatility in the F&B areas, the former sorting room house the hotel’s breakfast space and bakery, Public and Rug Bakery. Kontrast, with its own street entrance, is positioned on the corner of the building facing the train station and the new ‘highline’, which will lead residents and tourists into the new city district. This dynamic all-day restaurant has been designed with the inner city locale in mind. Styled to be approachable for the Danish market and authentic to guests, it channels unpretentious mid-century design with beautifully crafted references of the past and present.
The Pool Bar is a relaxed and colourful haven with views over one of the Villa’s courtyards. The central focus, designed by Krook and Tjader Architects, is the pool which is heated 365 days a year by the excess heat produced by the kitchens fridges, making it sustainable. At 25m long, it is unique to the city. Goddard Littlefair designed & curated the surrounding terrace & pool, plus neighbouring wellness spaces, the gym & sauna. The Pool Terrace features tall corten steel Pergolas, a cocktail bar, comfortable seating for guests throughout the year.