Dinesen and Garde Hvalsøe transform Aarhus Showroom

Garde Hvalsøe and flooring company Dinesen have partnered with the Copenhagen-based Djernes & Bell to transform the Aarhus showroom. This space is not just a showroom but a hybrid environment where community and collaboration are at the forefront.

The 600m² showroom opened in 2018 and is divided into two wings, each meticulously showcasing Garde Hvalsøe kitchens and furniture. While Bunn Studio redesigned the left wing in 2022, Djernes & Bell have now reimagined the right wing, honouring the Gothic Renaissance origins of the Mejlborg building and the historical essence of the Nørre Stenbro area.

Since its construction in 1898, the Mejlborg building has undergone numerous transformations but retained its original architectural features. Preserving the ornamental glass ceiling and vibrant windows highlights Victorian-era craftsmanship, celebrating materials like glass, wood, and ceramics. These elements have been seamlessly integrated into the redesign, respecting the building’s rich heritage.

Since its construction in 1898, the Mejlborg building has undergone numerous transformations but retained its original architectural features. Preserving the ornamental glass ceiling and vibrant windows highlights Victorian-era craftsmanship, celebrating materials like glass, wood, and ceramics. These elements have been seamlessly integrated into the redesign, respecting the building’s rich heritage.

The redesigned showroom draws from the building’s historical context, reinterpreting its original rooms into contemporary spaces. The transformation features three key areas: a salon, a kitchen with a pantry, and a study room, each representing a unique craft.

Upon entering the right wing, visitors are greeted by the Salon, framed by tailored, transparent curtains from Kvadrat and Stilling. Djernes & Bell have created an inviting meeting area with an asymmetric room divider made from Dinesen Douglas and finished with Ash Oil, encircling a handcrafted round table and chairs by Magnus Olesen. The Salon also features a tribute to Garde Hvalsøe’s Kabinet design, inspired by traditional Chinese cabinets.

The kitchen, designed in collaboration with Djernes & Bell, is centred around Garde Hvalsøe’s Hoelgaard model in elmwood. A round kitchen island topped with leather from Sørensen Leather and a bespoke bench with storage inspired by Castle Drogo add both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Modern wooden panels crafted from Dinesen Douglas coexist harmoniously with the original features.

The Pantry, created in collaboration with the Danish restaurant Moment, features ash wood walls and floors finished with a dark oil. It also has shelves for pickled seasonal vegetables and an oven cabinet.

Inspired by Louis Kahn’s Phillips Exeter Academy Library, the Study Room features bespoke wooden workhouses, reflecting the library’s asymmetric design. This space, used as an office for both brands

The showroom is adorned with works from local designers, including glass artworks by Alexander Kirkeby, ceramics by Sarah Mirkhani, and chairs from Magnus Olesen’s iconic 8000 series. Lamps from Wästberg and stone details from Surface further enhance the design. The walls and ceilings, painted with colours from the eco-friendly paint brand File Under Pop, create a cohesive and calming interior, complementing the original glass ceiling’s tones.

Founder Søren Hvalsøe Garde comments, “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.”

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday 9-17
Saturday 10-15

Address:
Garde Hvalsøe showroom
Mejlborg, Kystvejen 65
8000 Aarhus