Sturlasgade Apartment in Copenhagen by JAC Studios.

JAC Studios took an innovative approach to the renovation of a 200sqm apartment within a former factory complex in Copenhagen’s Islandsbrygge neighbourhood. The striking result preserves the characteristics of the original building while offering revived interiors through bespoke restorations. The interior is defined by a series of plateaus and surfaces that appear to levitate, with delicacy and lightness in construction.

The designers intended to open up the interior to form a large, open plan space containing living, kitchen and dining areas. Furniture is used to create various zones, in lieu of dividing walls. Rich materials create strong contrast and meeting points between surfaces that cantilever, intercept and interact with one another. JAC Studios explain, “the plateaus and surfaces offer dual functionality with an attention to detail and material connectivity.”

In the dining area, a 4.5m long cantilevered table takes pride of place. Seeming to float across the kitchen and living rooms, the table is multi-functional and provides both a place to gather and socialize as well as to prepare food. Another series of plateaus ascend to create a multi-faceted installation, in which surfaces extend to form a staircase, fireplace, and tiered seating.

A higher-level staircase is suspended from the first floor. Constructed of lightweight steel, it gives the impression of levitation and offers a clean, crisp form. Rather than a conventional foor, a one-metre deep interior dividing cupboard forms an entrance to the two bedrooms. This doubles as a dynamic interior façade that can be completely opened to allow for both storage and entry.

JAC Studios place an emphasis on light throughout the apartment, using a choice of reflective materials such as polished white terrazzo and glazed coloured tiles to enhance a bright feel. Contrasting materials include a copper kitchen island and fireplace, smoked oak staircase and dark oak dining table.

[Images courtesy of JAC Studios. Photography © Karina Tengberg.]