There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a building’s history and its contemporary purpose align with chronological precision. In the heart of Aarhus’ Nørre Stenbro neighborhood stands Mejlborg, a towering Gothic Renaissance landmark built in 1898. In a poetic stroke of fate, 1898 is also the founding year of Dinesen, the legendary Danish flooring manufacturer. Today, these two legacies converge within a 600-square-meter showroom that redefines the modern Danish kitchen.
This is not merely a retail space; it is a masterclass in spatial storytelling. Designed by the architectural duo Djernes & Bell, the Garde Hvalsøe and Dinesen showroom in Aarhus’ Mejlborg is a profound exploration of the 'Ecology of Home.' By blending low-carbon, regenerative practices with high-end craftsmanship, the project showcases a collaboration that feels less like a showroom and more like a residential sanctuary. Through the lens of Jonas Djernes and Justine Bell, the space is divided into two specialized wings, each serving as a tactile narrative of how we might live more thoughtfully today.
The Design Philosophy: 'Ecology of Home'
When Garde Hvalsøe and Dinesen commissioned Jonas Djernes and Justine Bell, the brief wasn't just to display cabinets and planks. It was to interpret a new architectural language—one that the architects call the 'Ecology of Home.' This philosophy moves away from the sterile, showroom-standard 'white box' and instead leans into the historical soul of Mejlborg.
The architects focused on low-carbon and regenerative materials, ensuring that every intervention respected the 19th-century bones of the building while pushing the boundaries of contemporary utility. They reinterpreted traditional room typologies—the salon, the larder, the library—and translated them into a modern context. Here, the kitchen is not an isolated workstation but part of a living, breathing ecosystem where material provenance and craftsmanship are the primary inhabitants.
The Salon: A Dialogue of Softness and Structure
Stepping into the right wing of the showroom, you are greeted by 'The Salon.' This space is designed to bridge the gap between the grandeur of the historic building and the intimacy of a private home. The focal point is an asymmetric room divider crafted from Dinesen Douglas wood with a signature Ash Oil finish. It provides structure without being overbearing, allowing light to filter through the room while creating distinct zones for conversation.
The color palette here is a lesson in restrained luxury. The walls are finished in 'Sahara Sand'—a bespoke high-gloss paint by File Under Pop—which creates a luminous backdrop for the pale wood. To soften the architectural lines, heavy Kvadrat curtains drape from floor to ceiling, adding a layer of acoustic warmth and visual texture.
Ivy’s Style Tip: In the Salon, look closely at the Garde Hvalsøe Kabinet. Inspired by traditional Chinese cabinets, this piece demonstrates how Eastern design principles can be seamlessly integrated into a Nordic setting, provided the material execution—like Dinesen’s Douglas wood—is flawless.
The Modern Kitchen: Craftsmanship Meets Culinary Function
The centerpiece of the Aarhus showroom is undoubtedly the Hoelgaard kitchen model. For those of us who obsess over the intersection of form and function, the Hoelgaard is a revelation. In this specific iteration, the model features Dinesen Douglas wood panels treated with an Ash Oil finish, paired with a breathtaking Portland Taupe Sandstone backsplash and countertop.
The beauty of the Hoelgaard lies in its details. The drawers feature splined cuts—a traditional joinery technique that provides both strength and a subtle decorative rhythm. There are no redundant flourishes; the luxury is found in the weight of the wood and the precision of the fit.
| Material Component | Specification | Aesthetic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | Garde Hvalsøe Hoelgaard Model | Minimalist, architectural, and robust. |
| Wood Species | Dinesen Douglas | Large-scale grain that emphasizes height. |
| Finish | Ash Oil | Cool, pale tones that neutralize yellowing. |
| Stone | Portland Taupe Sandstone | A warm, earthy counterpoint to the wood. |
| Fixtures | John Pawson for Cocoon | Brushed steel, ultra-minimalist. |
Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting these textures. The architects selected Wästberg halo pendant lights, which cast a soft, architectural glow over the sandstone surfaces, making the kitchen feel as much like a gallery as a culinary space.
The Pantry: A Collaboration with Restaurant Moment
As you move deeper into the showroom, the atmosphere shifts from the light, airy Salon to a more grounded, sensory experience: The Pantry. This zone was designed in collaboration with the renowned Restaurant Moment, a destination famous for its focus on sustainable gastronomy.
The transition is marked by a change in finish. While the main kitchen celebrates the lightness of Ash Oil, the pantry introduces bespoke dark oil finishes. The flooring here is Dinesen Ash treated with a Dark Clay Oil, providing a moody, sophisticated foundation. This area is a tribute to the 'lived-in' kitchen; it features shelves lined with pickled vegetables and artisanal ceramics, evoking the scents and sights of a working larder. It’s a reminder that even the most high-end architectural kitchen is ultimately a vessel for the rituals of food and gathering.
The Study and Archive: Intellectual Spaces
The 600-square-meter floor plan eventually leads you to the left wing, which houses the Study and the Material Archive. The Study Room is a direct homage to Louis Kahn’s Phillips Exeter Academy Library, utilizing wood to create a sense of 'quietude' and intellectual focus. It is a space where architects and clients can sit, surrounded by the materials they are considering, away from the distractions of the street.
The Mejlborg Basement serves as a comprehensive archival space. Here, the 'Ecology of Home' concept is fully realized as a resource for the design community. It features an extensive library of materials from collaborators including:
- Kvadrat: High-performance textiles for upholstery and acoustics.
- Sorensen Leather: Premium hides that age beautifully alongside wood.
- File Under Pop: Tactile wall finishes and artisanal tiles.
One of the most innovative features is the 'Sound Room.' In this space, visitors can engage in an auditory meditation that connects them with the origin of the materials—the rustle of the forest, the sawing of the logs, and the rhythmic sound of the workshop. It is a profound way to build an emotional connection with the 'Garde Hvalsøe Aarhus showroom' experience before a single plank is installed.
The Future of the Modern Danish Kitchen
The collaboration between Garde Hvalsøe and Dinesen at Mejlborg is a definitive statement on the future of luxury design. It suggests that the 'New Danish Kitchen' is not defined by trends, but by a deep-seated respect for heritage and a commitment to regenerative practices.
By taking a 125-year-old building and infusing it with contemporary craftsmanship, Djernes & Bell have created a blueprint for how we should approach interior styling: with patience, material integrity, and a focus on the sensory experience of being 'home.' For the residents of Aarhus and the international design community, Mejlborg is no longer just a historic landmark; it is a living laboratory for modern architectural mastery.
FAQ
Where is the Garde Hvalsøe showroom in Aarhus located?
The showroom is located in the historic Mejlborg building in the Nørre Stenbro district of Aarhus. The building itself is a landmark, dating back to 1898, and houses 600 square meters of interior design excellence.
What makes the Hoelgaard kitchen model unique?
The Hoelgaard model is celebrated for its minimalist architectural lines and traditional joinery. In the Aarhus showroom, it is showcased with Dinesen Douglas wood and a Portland Taupe Sandstone backsplash, featuring signature splined cut drawers that highlight the quality of the wood.
Can I visit the showroom as a private individual?
Yes, the showroom is designed to serve both the professional architectural community and private individuals looking for inspiration and bespoke kitchen solutions. It features a material archive and a 'Sound Room' to help clients connect with the materials.
