Vester Voldgade Apartment: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage and Contemporary Design

At the core of the apartment’s interior concept lies a play of contrasts—warm and cold, old and new, raw and refined. The interplay between the original wooden beams and the solid Dinesen Heart Oak floorboards sets the tone for a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation. This contrast is further accentuated by carefully curated elements, including custom furniture, glazed lava stone surfaces, and minimalist architectural details.

Architectural Interventions for Spatial Expansion

To fulfill the client’s desire for a spacious and luminous home, Thulstrup implemented a series of bold modifications. By removing barriers and extending the space both horizontally and vertically, the once-restrictive attic was transformed into an expansive living area. Notable interventions include:

• Double-height living area with exposed structural rafters, creating a sculptural connection between levels.
• Enlarged arched windows, maximizing natural light and framing city views.
• Bi-folding glass doors, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, leading to a secondary terrace.

Thulstrup’s expertise in spatial optimization and material composition reintroduces a sense of calm and equilibrium, making the space feel both intimate and airy.

Custom-Designed Elements as Architectural Features

The apartment’s interiors are defined by custom-built elements that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Noteworthy features include:

• A built-in sofa bench, running the length of the living room wall, offering both seating and architectural depth.
• An integrated dining bench, enhancing spatial fluidity within the open-plan layout.
• A 200-kilogram glazed lava stone coffee table, a statement piece that anchors the room with its robust presence.

Each element reinforces the apartment’s minimalist yet inviting ambiance, a signature of Thulstrup’s design ethos.

A Neutral Palette to Elevate Architectural Features

To further highlight the apartment’s historical elements, Thulstrup opted for a neutral color scheme, allowing the rich textures of the exposed timber beams and bespoke furniture to take center stage. This restrained approach enhances the apartment’s warmth and elegance, proving that simplicity can be the ultimate sophistication.

A Modern Spiral Staircase: The Architectural Showpiece

Adding a sculptural focal point, a custom spiral staircase crafted from glass-blasted steel with a yellow-patinated zinc finish connects the living area to an intimate reading nook and an expansive rooftop terrace. This industrial-inspired element introduces an unexpected materiality that complements the apartment’s refined aesthetic.

A Benchmark in Contemporary Scandinavian Living

The Vester Voldgade Apartment stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of heritage and modernity, material authenticity, and spatial fluidity. Through meticulous craftsmanship and a profound understanding of natural light and material contrasts, Studio David Thulstrup has created a residence that not only respects its historic origins but also redefines contemporary urban living.

Key Project Details:

• Project Name: Vester Voldgade Apartment
• Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Architect: Studio David Thulstrup
• Size: 150 sqm
• Year: 2020
• Photographer: Irina Boersma
• Materials & Manufacturers: Dinesen, Brdr Krüger, File Under Pop, Klassik, Kvadrat, Møbel Copenhagen, Secher Fine Art & Design, Studio Arhoj, Locally Sourced
• Carpentry: Copenhagen Interior Design, Jacob Schiøtz
• Lighting: ONE A